Mental Health First Aiders Day 2025: Supporting one another at Shorts Group and Shorts Agricultural

Today, we’re proud to recognise Mental Health First Aiders Day – a moment to celebrate the people who make a real difference in our workplace by supporting wellbeing and fostering a culture of care.

At Shorts Group and Shorts Agricultural, we know that mental health is just as important as physical health. That’s why we have a team of trained Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs) across the business. These dedicated colleagues are here to listen, offer confidential support, and guide anyone who may be experiencing mental health challenges toward the right resources. Our MHFAs play a vital role in helping to create an open, supportive environment where it’s okay to talk about mental health. Whether it’s checking in with a teammate, offering a listening ear, or helping someone find professional help, their compassion and commitment make a real impact.

Meet Charlotte – a friendly face you can turn to for support and understanding.

What motivated you to become a Mental Health First Aider?

“As an ESFJ (Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Judging), I’ve always been driven by connection and care for others. I naturally notice when someone isn’t quite themselves, and I feel a strong pull to check in and offer support.

Becoming a Mental Health First Aider was a way to turn that instinct into action. It’s equipped me with the skills to listen without judgment, recognise signs of distress, and guide someone towards the right support.

Mental health is just as important as physical health — and I believe we all share a responsibility to create environments where people feel safe, heard, and valued. If sharing kindness and compassion can make even one person feel less alone, then it’s worth it.”

What’s one misconception people often have about MHFAs or mental health at work?

“A misconception is that we only help people in a crisis. Whilst we have training about how to respond in a crisis, it’s just as much about early intervention; noticing small signs, checking in, and helping to prevent things from escalating.

But remember: a Mental Health First Aider can’t ​“fix” or ​“solve” someone’s issues. Our role is to be a compassionate first point of contact, offering reassurance and guiding the person towards appropriate support.”

How can we start conversations about mental health without feeling awkward or invasive?

“Private, calm environments are best. Casual moments (like a coffee break or walk) often make conversations feel less formal and intimidating. No everyone wants to share though, that’s okay. Our role as MHFAiders is to let you know we’re available. 

For anyone not wanting to directly speak to a MHFAider, you can always access the Mental Health Support Network provided by ​‘Hub of Hope’.”

Meet James – a trusted peer offering empathy and guidance.

What motivated you to become a MHFA?

“When the opportunity to become a MHFA for Shorts Group was offered to me, I was very interested and eager to take on the role due to my own past experiences with mental health as well as my knowledge from supporting friends and family with similar issues.”

What can we do to normalise mental health conversations amongst men?

“In an industry that is predominantly male centric it is important that we challenge traditional masculine norms and the outdated narrative that men should just ​“tough it out” or ​“man up”. This will create a supportive environment for open conversation where seeking help is a sign of strength, not a lack of it.”

How should someone approach you if they are seeking support?

“As many of my team already know, I am a very approachable person who is here to help with any issue anyone might have a big or small. I believe that as a site manager I have a duty of care to every employee to support them in any way that I can. Mental health is just as important as physical wellbeing, and we all deserve a strong work life balance which keeps moral high within the workplace so we can work together as a team keeping each other safe.”

Today, we want to say thank you to our Mental Health First Aiders for being there when it matters most. Let’s keep the conversation going. Together, we can continue to break the stigma surrounding mental health.