Equipping apprentices and staff with real mental health skills for the modern workplace
A continued partnership between GettaLife, a supported living provider, and Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training is supporting staff and apprentices with vital mental health training, delivered directly within the workplace.
The latest session, held on-site at GettaLife in Coventry, brought together 12 staff all working towards a Level 2 First Aid for Mental Health qualification. The training forms part of an ongoing commitment from both organisations to strengthen workforce skills and improve support for both employees and the people they work with.
Mental health continues to play a significant role in today’s workplace, particularly within adult social care, where staff regularly support individuals with a range of complex needs. Providing employees and apprentices with the tools to understand and respond to mental health challenges is essential in creating safe, supportive environments.
The training delivered by Chamber Training focuses on practical, interactive learning rather than traditional classroom-based approaches. Through role play, group activities and real-life scenarios, participants are encouraged to actively engage with the content, helping to build confidence and ensuring knowledge can be applied in day-to-day situations.
The partnership between GettaLife and Chamber Training has developed over several years, supporting staff progression through apprenticeships in areas such as Adult Care and Business Administration. This includes senior leadership development, with director Robert Kimani having completed a Level 5 qualification in Health and Social Care, alongside 5 staff currently undertaking Level 4 programmes and a further director Melanie Kerkeni now enrolled on the Level 5 course.
As a not-for-profit organisation, GettaLife reinvests any surplus back into the people it supports and the development of its workforce. This includes funding training opportunities, ensuring staff are equipped with the right skills to deliver high-quality, person-centred care.
Participants leave the training with a clearer understanding of how to recognise signs of mental health challenges, how to respond appropriately, and when to signpost individuals to further support. The session also reinforces the importance of making reasonable adjustments and fostering open conversations around wellbeing.
Both organisations hope the continued delivery of this training will contribute to a more supportive workplace culture, where mental health is better understood and openly discussed. By equipping staff and apprentices with practical skills, the initiative aims to improve outcomes not only for employees but also for the individuals they support.
Robert Kimani, director at GettaLife, said: “We see every day how important it is to understand mental health, not just for the people we support, but for our staff as well. This kind of training gives our team the skills and confidence to recognise when someone may be struggling and to respond in the right way. As a small, person-centred organisation, investing in training like this ensures we continue to provide the best possible support in our communities.”
Sharon Miles-Waugh, commercial management trainer at Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training, said: “Mental health training is more important than ever. This session is about giving people practical tools, helping them recognise signs, respond appropriately and know where to go for support. By using interactive learning and real-life scenarios, we make sure participants leave with skills they can actually use in the workplace.”
For more information on Chamber Training, please visit: https://www.cw-chambertraining.co.uk