Testimonials

“The mental health first aid course was stimulating and enjoyable – and what I learned over the two days has already proven incredibly useful at work and at home. I have no doubt its effectiveness can be attributed to the enthusiasm and knowledge of the trainers, who led the course in a sensitive yet light-hearted manner. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the mental health first aid course to others.”
- David Hamilton, Scottish Government Strategic Football Lead

​“Mark provided very useful non-NHS examples of mental health related problems and solutions.  Really interesting, it enabled me to better appreciate how to deal with people with mental health issues and understand first aid approaches to offer appropriate support.” 
- Lynn Cree, environmental health adviser at NHS National Services Scotland.
 
“This course was an excellent opportunity to gain a better knowledge and understanding of how to help and give the best support to those who need it.  Mental health illness is amongst us all and never too far away, we should be able to to see the signs and give the individual the much needed attention that they are needing.  The course helps to identify those needs – everyone should do this!” 
- Lisa Reid, NHS line manager
 
“Great trainers – great content!  This was a useful, pleasant, thoughtful training experience which gave me great tips to deal with many potential situations.” 
- Linda Jacomb, NSS Health and Safety Adviser at NHS National Services Scotland
 
“The course well organised and informative.  Mark was an excellent trainer who was very knowledgeable and able to teach us how to support other.  Although the nature of the course was very serious he made it fun and practical.” 
- Audrey MacFarlane, Health Information Advisor, NHS 24
 
“It covered subjects I was not so familiar with and will help with work at NHS, I also work privately as a hypnotherapist and it will help with my work.  Mark was generous in sharing his life experiences.” 
- Johan MacIver, Health Information Advisor, NHS 24.
 
“The course made it more clear as to what to look for and did make me think differently to my reactions and to people who may suffer these type of symptoms.  Relaxed atmosphere and where appropriate, light-hearted moments.” 
- Stephen Hart, Health Information Manager, NHS 24.
 
“The course has given me better insight into mental health conditions, helped me understand the tools I need to help others.  Enjoyable training days, appreciated the open and honest discussions, very informative and interesting, has given me life-long skills that will help me and my personal life.” 
- Cheryl Grant, HR Advisor NHS 24.    
 
“Gave more insight into what people with depression, anxiety and psychosis are going through.  I feel the language to use to show you understand it is real for them will be helpful in calls.  Mark was very knowledgeable and welcomed questions.  Trainer tailored examples to our type of work interactions which was very helpful. “ 
- Elaine Adam, Health Information Manager, NHS 24.

"I found the course very informative and interesting.  It has definitely improved my mental health awareness and skills to support and improve my services on our projects at Celtic FC Foundation. I now alos have a deeper understanding of Mental Health at a personal level through my own experience in relatives and friends with mental health illness."
- Gillian Kirk, Health & Fitness Coach/Coordinator, Celtic FC Foundation
 
"Course was fantastic very informative. I will use this new information and understanding a lot in my job within the community with confidence.  Courses like this are helping break the stigma of mental health."
- Lisa Kerr, Community Outreach Team, Hamilton Accies FC
 
"The training we received on the mental health first aid will be a useful tool to have to work with players, staff and the wider community on mental health issues. Already since the training we have been able to use the skill to help one of our coaches and get the help he needed.  I would recommend anyone in the football industry to get booked on the course and gain the tools to help and support to understand mental health issues.  Mark helped make the training relevant to football and his attitude and the way he delivered the course was very positive and inspiring.” 
- Paul Doig, Head of Community Development, Raith Rovers FC
 
“I felt that the course was well delivered and set at a good pace, which, in turn improved my understanding.  The course gave me a better understanding of mental health in the conext of football.”
- Paul Kelly, Managing Director, Partick Thistle FC Charitable Trust
 
“Enhanced knowledge and skills.  A better understanding of certain areas e.g. self harm.  Areas that I had never thought of in this category.  The trainers gave some great personal anecdotes which put the whole course into perspective.  I think it would be good for all football managers, especially to bring them up to speed on the modern society.” 
- Karen Roberston, Fitness Coach, Annan Athletic FC
 
“The learning experience has been very informative and helped me to build confidence which I required to enable me to better meet the needs of my colleagues and service users of our community programmes.  Mark and Anne’s presentation and partnership working in delivery was one of the best I have had the pleasure of experiencing.” 
- Catriona McRoberts, PA support to the Head of Youth Academy and Community Trust Manager, Hamilton Accies FC.
 
“Clarified the correct language to use and helped understand what signs to look for and what to ask and what advice to give.  Mark and Anne knew what they were talking about and were not phased by any questions asked.  A first class, worthwhile 2 days of training.  I feel empowered to handle some of the difficult situations I might face.” 
- Duncan Strathdee, Chaplain, Stirling Albion FC.
 
“Mark and Anne were very good at keeping the group interested and showed and incredible knowledge about the material.” Jordan Boyd, Community Executive, Rangers FC Charity Foundation
“The mental health first aid course was absolutely fantastic and the trainers (Mark and Anne) were excellent.   This course will help me when dealing with participants who have mental health issues and I now know what questions to ask.”
- William Hoggan, Head of Community Football, Stenhousemuir FC,
 
“Mark and Anne are fantastic trainers who were open and listened and helped with any questions asked of them.  Their delivery meant the aims of the course were met with clear and in-depth knowledge of every area covered.” 
- Daniel Armstrong, Community Coach, Queen of the South FC

"I really enjoyed the training and felt it was facilitated really well which made it very interesting.  The course met my needs in terms of how to better identify and signpost/support the public that I deal with, ensuring that I understand enough to be confident in my actions towards them.  Both trainers’ delivery was excellent, I really enjoyed the training, felt comfortable to participate with their encouragement and they worked really well together.   They were very honest and open regarding their own life experiences, which for me was pretty powerful." 
- Nicola Smith, Employability Coordinator, Celtic FC Foundation