With the well documented mental health challenges within the golf greenkeeping and turf management industries, the MHFAP programme has been developed to deliver mental health first aid courses and workshops, to give delegates the practical guidance to recognise and support themselves and others in the event of a mental health issue arising.
Long hours, seasonal pressures, physical demands and often isolated working environments place turf managers at increased risk. In response, BIGGA introduced MHFAP, which is built around accredited training with a recognised and professional standard of delivery. The aim of the programme is to support member wellbeing, create safer and more supportive workplaces across the industry, and build a network of trained mental health first aiders across clubs and facilities around the country.
With sponsorship from Baroness and Kubota, BIGGA are committed to hosting a two-day, in-person training course in each of the five regions together with follow up support and communications to further help delegates after course completion.
“Supporting BIGGA’s Mental Health First Aid programme reflects our commitment not only to the turf industry, but to the people within it,” said Baroness UK Sales Director Adam Butler. “Mental wellbeing is just as important as physical safety, so we’re delighted to be able to play our part in providing the tools and awareness needed to support turf managers across the UK.”
And Henry Bredin, Kubota Division Manager UK and Ireland for Agriculture and Groundcare added: “This sponsorship is perfectly in line with our ‘For Earth, For Life’ commitment – supporting the needs of our society whether that’s with equipment or training, support and understanding. Partnering with BIGGA on this initiative allows us to play a meaningful role in promoting mental health awareness and ensuring those in the industry know they are not alone.”
