Thank you for being there to help someone in need. It is always important whenever we are helping anyone else that we are keeping ourselves safe.
We all react differently to stressors in our lives and respond differently to diverse types of support. Our reaction and response is dependent on the incident/issue at hand, our environment and our personal situation. When providing support to others it is important to take into consideration that what might seem like the best form of support for that person may not be what the individual needs. Keeping your own safety and wellbeing at the forefront it is always beneficial
to seek support from a trained professional. This not only ensures you are doing the right thing, but also enables you
​to feel supported as the supporter.

The most important thing is just being there, showing you care by listening. 
​M.A.N.E.R.S model
Psychological First Aid (PFA) is the mental or emotional equivalent of medical or physical first aid. It is designed to reduce post traumatic stress injuries. It can be a useful tool for someone who has attended or been involved with a Potentially Traumatic Event (PTE) or challenging personal situation and is feeling distressed by it. PFA can also be applied to a range of  situations in life that are stressful. The MANERS Model is one example of PFA. So is Look – Listen – Link. 
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PFA is about getting help early so more serious issues don’t develop later.
We look after our kit, equipment and trucks – so we need to take care of our biggest asset as well - our people and their mental health. ​Looking after our mental health and psychological wellbeing is just as important as looking after our physical health. It’s all about keeping ourselves ready to respond.
This video if from the Victorian Ambulance Service, explaining the M.A.N.E.R.S Model and why it has been important for their staff.
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Having a well being conversation ​​
A. Setting the scene 
1. Ensure appropriate privacy. 
2. Provide a comfortable location. 
3. Have water available or make a cup of tea or coffee. 
4. Minimise the likelihood of interruption. 
​5. Arrange the chairs and position yourself and the other person in a way that is conducive to having a wellbeing conversation (e.g. don’t sit behind a desk). 
6. Make sure your body language gives the person confidence that you care about them and that they have your undivided attention (e.g. maintain eye contact, avoid folded arms). ​​

​B. The approach 
1. Approach the conversation with an open mind and be aware of your own assumptions or biases. 
2. Even if you’re not a naturally compassionate person, understand that having a wellbeing conversation is a key part of good leadership. 
3. Whenever possible, exercise empathetic detachment, i.e. demonstrating genuine concern without letting the person’s issues weigh you down. 
4. Don’t assume that you know everything that is going on in a person’s life – there are often interlinked personal, family and work issues. And avoid giving the impression of surprise or shock when presented with concerning new information. 
5. Don’t tell people that you know what they’re going through – our experiences are all different and individual. 
6. Don’t start talking about your own experiences of anxiety, distress or grief – doing so diminishes the importance of what the other person is saying and the current emotions they are experiencing. 
7. Understand the limits of your own expertise – you are not a physician or psychologist. Knowing your boundaries is an important part of what it means to be professional. 
8. Practice quality listening skills such as reflective listening (e.g. “What I’m hearing you saying is …”) and using open questions that elicit more than a “yes” or “no” response (e.g. “Tell me about how that was for you”). 
9. As much as possible, don’t react personally to provocation, anger or what you might consider to be inappropriate language. Recognise that you might just be the focal point for their dissatisfaction or concerns about what’s happening in the workplace, or due to frustrations in their home or personal life.

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