Why Mental Health First Aid Alone Isn’t Enough — And What Your Site Really Needs

Many businesses start by putting their staff through Mental Health First Aid training — and it’s encouraging to see companies in construction wanting to support wellbeing. But while First Aid training raises awareness, it doesn’t create a sustainable mental health system on its own.

In reality, on busy sites across Leeds and the wider construction industry, teams often hesitate to approach an internal Mental Health First Aider. Not because they don’t care — but because:

• They worry about being judged by colleagues

• First Aiders already have demanding roles and limited time

• Sensitive issues feel too personal to share with someone on the same team

• There’s no structured follow-up after the initial conversation

• Complex situations can exceed the level of training provided

So while Mental Health First Aid is a positive step, it often leaves gaps — and your teams still need accessible, professional support they can trust.

The Missing Link: Support Alongside Your Mental Health First Aiders

Cavalier Health provides what most businesses don’t realise they’re missing: an external mental health practitioner who works with your Mental Health First Aiders to create a system that people actually use.

✔️ A trusted professional on site

Someone qualified, impartial, and experienced — especially valuable in construction environments where workers are less likely to open up internally.

✔️ Consistent support your teams will actually access

Drop-ins, follow-ups, and clear guidance from a practitioner who has the time, skills, and emotional capacity to help.

✔️ A safe escalation route

Your Mental Health First Aiders no longer carry the burden alone.

✔️ Practical leadership support

Helping managers across Leeds respond confidently and appropriately.

Mental Health First Aid helps you spot a problem.
Cavalier Health helps you address it safely, effectively, and sustainably.

Stronger Minds, Safer Sites Network — The Support Your First Aiders Need

We created the Stronger Minds, Safer Sites Network to support those in the workplace who are already supporting others — including Mental Health First Aiders and wellbeing leads.

The Network provides:
✔️ Ongoing learning beyond initial training
✔️ Professional guidance from a qualified practitioner
✔️ A space for questions, growth, and peer connection
✔️ Resources your teams can refer to year-round

And, it’s included in all retainer packages.

This means your Mental Health First Aid provision doesn’t fade after the course — it becomes part of a wider, embedded wellbeing strategy.

If you want real impact, you need more than First Aid training.

You need:

• Professional support that workers actually use

• Leadership involvement

• A practitioner who understands construction culture

• Consistency across sites

• Systems that protect your teams — not just policies

Mental Health First Aid is a good start.
Cavalier Health makes it work in the real world.

And we do it right here in Leeds, across construction sites, manufacturing environments, and any workplace where wellbeing truly matters.

🔹 Workshops

Engaging, straight-talking sessions that get people thinking—and talking.

We deliver interactive workshops that open up the conversation on site. No lectures. Just relatable stories, useful tools, and things that actually stick.

Topics include:

• Mental health awareness

• Stress and burnout on site

• How to support a mate

• Leadership and mental health

• Building a resilient team

✔️ Designed for trades and team leads
✔️ Delivered in plain English, not textbook jargon
✔️ Customisable to your team’s needs

🔹 Leadership Support

It’s lonely at the top—but it doesn’t have to be.

We offer individual or team sessions for business owners, site managers, and senior staff. Because you carry a lot—and being the person everyone turns to can be heavy.

✔️ Safe space to talk, reflect, and plan
✔️ Focus on leadership wellbeing and people challenges
✔️ Realistic strategies that fit your pressures

We have now launched Stronger Minds, Safer Sites Network to support those in the workplace who are supporting others.

🔹 Resources & Toolbox Talks

Keep the conversation going long after we’ve packed up.

We have eye catching posters, small prompt cards and engaging toolbox talks to continue the conversations on-site.

🔹 Retainer Package

For businesses who want a consistent, trusted presence on site.

Our retainer package gives you regular, planned mental health support across your sites. It’s ideal for businesses who want to move beyond one-offs and embed wellbeing into the way they work.

✔️ Consultancy for mental health related concerns
✔️ Ongoing support for your workforce and leadership
✔️ Priority access for one to one support
✔️ Consistent voice, familiar face, and long-term impact

Let’s build something sustainable—together.