Foundations Furniture welcomes a Mental Health First Aider

Foundations Furniture was created to support the local community with affordable furniture, but it is also a welcoming space for customers, donors, volunteers and staff alike. Many people who walk through the doors of Foundations are experiencing change, stress, or challenging life circumstances, and our team is always here to support you with empathy, patience, and care. As part of this commitment to wellbeing, we now have a dedicated Mental Health First Aider.

💚 What Is a Mental Health First Aider?

A Mental Health First Aider is a trained member of staff who can:

• Recognise the early signs of mental health difficulties

• Offer a calm, non-judgemental listening ear

• Provide initial support and reassurance

• Signpost people to appropriate professional or internal support services

A Mental Health First Aider is not a professional therapist; however, they are a trusted first point of contact when someone is struggling.

🌱 Why Mental Health First Aid Matters

Mental health first aid matters because it:

• Supports staff and volunteers in a front-facing environment. Working in a charity involves constant interaction with the public, many of whom may be facing housing insecurity, financial pressure, or personal crises.

• Creates a safe and compassionate workplace culture. By putting mental wellbeing at the forefront of our workplace, alongside customer care and safety, we help reduce stigma around mental health, encourage openness between team members, and build trust across staff, volunteers, and management.

• Supports day-to-day wellbeing. Some aspects of the work can be physically and emotionally demanding. Without the right support, this can lead to fatigue, disengagement, or burnout. A Mental Health First Aider can offer support and encourage healthy coping strategies, helping to improve retention, morale, and long-term sustainability.

• Reflects the values of Foundations Furniture. Having a Mental Health First Aider demonstrates our commitment to caring for our local community, ensuring that everyone who walks through our doors can leave feeling a little healthier, happier, and safer.

✨ Building Healthier Communities Together

At Foundations Furniture, we believe that supporting our community goes beyond providing affordable furniture. It means creating a space where people feel heard, valued, and safe.

Our apprentice has successfully completed their Mental Health First Aider training with Access Training, the same provider delivering their apprenticeship programme with us.

By introducing a dedicated Mental Health First Aider, we are strengthening our commitment to wellbeing, for our customers, volunteers, and staff.

When we care for people’s mental health as well as their practical needs, we help build homes and healthier and more resilient communities.

For further information about Foundations Furniture please contact the charity on 0191 4778337, fill in the form below, or visit us at 1-6 Teams Craft Workshops, Askew Road West, Gateshead, NE8 2PB. (Foundations is open every weekday excluding bank holidays, between 9am and 4pm).

Foundations Furniture