When Vikki Paealiki was pregnant with her first baby, she was flying high in the world of corporate banking, but dark times lay ahead.
“I fell apart once my daughter was born, recalls Vikki.
“I was diagnosed with Post Natal Depression. It was brutal, unexpected and debilitating, but the experience changed me for the better.
“My whole world shifted and so did my passions. After a period of healing, I decided not to go back to the banking sector, but to work towards educating individuals and organisations about mental health struggles in the workplace.”
In 2012 Vikki launched her Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training business, onelessthing . Over the past 12 years she has educated more than 500 people. Her training gives participants the means to identify mental health conditions in the workplace and the tools necessary to offer support.
“It’s about lifting the stigma, surrounding mental health. If a person has a basic first aid certificate, they should also have a mental health first aid certificate. Being able to identity struggles and provide support to colleagues and employees has never been more important.
“Covid was a heavy mental health trigger, the way we worked, interacted and the expectations on us shifted. For many, that change was frightening. We are seeing more and more panic attacks in the workplace than ever before.
“If we don’t look after our peers, we can’t expect our businesses to thrive. To excel, a person needs support, a clear head, and the right tools to work productively.”
RCSA members have the exclusive opportunity to take part in Vikki’s life changing Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa online program at a discounted rate. Online programs commence April 29 and May 27 and are suitable for New Zealand members.
“The program is for everyone. From your CEO’s to your consultants. The content benefits all.
“We introduce best practices that align with an organisation’s wellbeing by helping implement techniques that support healthy minds and positive workplace cultures.
“It’s about encouraging people, like in general first aid, to be first responders. To be there until the professional help arrives.”
Vikki’s Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa programs are evidence based, evidence informed, internationally researched, and can be found in 24 countries around the world. The skills learned through her Webinars and online training can help a person both professionally and personally.
“The program we have designed for RCSA members will teach attendees how to help someone who is developing a mental health crisis. We will talk about the impact of mental health issues and provide an overview of the principles and practice of Mental Health First Aid.
By the end of the course our participants will be able to identify people at risk or in crisis. It is literally lifesaving content.”
To learn more about Vikki and onelessthing click here.
Bookings for the upcoming RCSA MHFA Aotearoa programs can be made here.
For any further information, please contact Cheryll Seslija at [email protected]