New courses are being offered to employers, to train staff in how to offer mental health first aid in the workplace.

Three courses are available, a three-hour 'lite' session (£70) and two day course in adult and youth mental health (£200).

They grew from training West Norfolk Mind, which offers a range of support services in the community, gave its own staff and volunteers.

Mind team Leader Lee Dade said: 'It's a really effective tool, it's a really effective training package.

'They're fairly intense, they're in groups of 12 - 15 participants. All of our courses are designed to build confidence in participants in how to manage mental health.

'Both cover some diagnostic stuff, so in the adult one there's three main areas - depression, anxiety disorders and psychosis.

'The youth one is very similar in design. It covers depression, self harm, suicide, eating disorders and psychosis in young people.'

West Norfolk council has sent staff, managers and trade union representatives on the courses.

Dave Clack, its safety and welfare adviser, said: 'The course not only gives a valuable insight into Mental Health as an issue for employers but also makes great strides towards dispelling common myths and misunderstandings about the challenges around some mental health conditions.

'For those employing, working with or providing services to people suffering from mental health challenges this course could be a real lifeline.'

Gemma Smith, long term support co-ordinator with the West Norfolk Stroke Association, said: 'Working with people who have such an instant life changing event such as a stroke has a huge impact on not only that person but the whole family.

'So understandably, many people are at risk of developing mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety which if not detected could become more serious.

'Completing the MHFA course has given me much better insight into recognising those conditions in the people I work with. It is a great course and I think all staff and volunteers working in the care profession would benefit from attending.'

For more information on courses, call 01553 776966 or go online to www.westnorfolkmind.org.uk/training-courses.