27th August 2025
Why Supporting Mental Health is a Core Leadership Skill – Not an Optional Extra
In today’s workplace, managers are asked to do more than ever before. They’re not only responsible for driving performance and meeting targets, but also for creating an environment where people feel supported and able to thrive. One of the biggest shifts in modern leadership is the growing expectation that managers play an active role in supporting mental health within their teams.
But here’s the challenge: while most managers recognise the importance of mental wellbeing, many don’t feel equipped to have those conversations. A recent survey from MHFA England found that over half of employees would turn to their line manager first if they were struggling, yet fewer than one in three managers felt confident responding to mental health concerns.
That gap matters. And it’s exactly why the Mental Health Skills for Managers course was created.
Closing the Confidence Gap
The course, developed by MHFA England and delivered by accredited instructors, is designed specifically for people leaders. In just half a day, it gives managers the skills and confidence they need to:
- Spot early warning signs of poor mental health
- Hold supportive, empathetic conversations
- Know when and how to signpost to professional help
- Manage boundaries, confidentiality, and their own wellbeing
This isn’t about turning managers into counsellors. It’s about giving them practical tools to lead more effectively, protect their team’s wellbeing, and create a culture where open conversations are the norm.
Why It Matters More Than Ever
Work-related mental ill-health is one of the biggest causes of absence in UK workplaces. According to the HSE, 776,000 workers reported stress, depression or anxiety in 2023/24, contributing to 33.7 million working days lost across all types of ill-health and injury. The cost to employers runs into billions each year in lost productivity.
But the real impact isn’t just measured in statistics, it’s in the employees who feel unable to speak up, the talented individuals who burn out, and the teams that struggle under the weight of silence.
When managers can step in early, they don’t just prevent crises; they help their teams stay resilient, engaged, and motivated. The return on investment is clear: workplaces that prioritise mental health see higher retention, improved morale, and stronger performance.
A Hands-On Approach to Leadership Skills
The Mental Health Skills for Managers course is designed to be interactive and practical, not theoretical. Through a mix of case studies, short videos, group discussions, and real-world scenarios, participants learn by doing.
There are no written exams. Instead, assessment is embedded into activities and role-plays, giving managers the chance to practice new skills in a safe, supported environment. By the end of the course, participants walk away with not only knowledge, but confidence in how to apply it.
What Managers Gain
On completion, managers receive:
- A digital MHFAider® certificate from MHFA England
- Access to the MHFAider® Support App® for ongoing resources
- A comprehensive digital manual and workbook
- Continued support via monthly webinars, briefings, and email guidance
Most importantly, they leave with the ability to integrate mental health awareness into everyday leadership, not as an add-on, but as part of how they manage and support their team.
Creating a Culture of Support
Leadership today goes beyond managing tasks and hitting deadlines. It’s about setting the tone for how people feel at work. When managers are trained to spot signs of poor mental health and respond with empathy, it creates a ripple effect across the organisation.
Employees feel safer to open up. Teams become more resilient. And wellbeing becomes a shared responsibility, woven into the culture rather than left to chance.
Leading with Wellbeing
Every manager wants their team to succeed. But true success is measured not just by output, but by the wellbeing of the people behind it. Supporting mental health is no longer optional for leaders, it’s an essential skill for building stronger, healthier workplaces.
If you're inspired by this approach and want to explore further, take a moment to browse our Mental Health & Wellbeing course category, where you’ll find a range of accredited training options, from general awareness and resilience workshops to tailored leadership programs like Mental Health Skills for Managers.
Take the Next Step
Ready to turn wellbeing into a leadership strength? Explore our full range of Mental Health & Wellbeing courses and discover how Essential Training Hub can help you build more resilient, compassionate leadership across your organisation: