Dr. Mona Mustafa, Director of the MSc HRM Program and Associate Professor at the University of Birmingham Dubai, visited the Khaleej Times office in Dubai - Photo by Muhammad Sajjad
Khaleej Times, a subsidiary of Galadari Printing and Publishing, conducted a mental health first aid session on December 4. Dr. Mona Mustafa, Director of the MSc HRM Program and Associate Professor at the University of Birmingham Dubai, spearheaded the one-day workshop designed to sensitize mental health first aid responders to the needs of their colleagues. The program, regulated by the UK-based Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual), certifies mental health first aiders within organizations. Dr. Mustafa elucidates, “Just as we have first aiders in any company who can assist an employee if they sustain an injury, Mental Health First Aiders serve a similar role. Their primary function is to identify any signs of distress. If an individual is contemplating self-harm or if their mental state is impacting their daily operations, the first aider's role is to listen without judgment, reassure, and encourage the individual to seek professional medical help.” These responders underwent a written test and demonstrated how they would manage a hypothetical scenario before receiving their badges, which are valid for three years, officially designating them as mental health responders.
Monica Fernandes, a participant and member of the HR learning and development team at Galadari Motors, emphasizes that mental health awareness and care distinguish a good organization from a great one. “This is a necessity for all generations; everyone reacts differently and has unique ways of managing their emotions and mental health. Therefore, being aware of how to observe and recognize signs of mental issues in others is crucial today,” she notes. Ahlam AlMarzooqi, Group Emiratisation Manager at Galadari Brothers, found the session instrumental in providing a guide on the steps to take during various situations and how best to support peers experiencing emotional or mental distress. “If the situation is severe, I know there are hotlines they can contact. I feel more confident engaging in conversations with our Emirati colleagues. The session also helped me address my own stress; I realized there are aspects of my life I need to let go of,” she shares. Khaleej Times’ initiative to enhance the mental health conditions of its employees aligns with the UAE’s efforts to make significant strides in supporting both citizens and residents.
Source link: https://www.khaleejtimes.com
