#126: Riding Through the Storm Mental Health First Aid for Equine Business & Professionals

In this podcast episode, host Jenni Bush talks with Aaron Cork about mental health first aid in equine businesses. Aaron explains that mental health first aid is about having a first point of contact when someone is feeling low or entering a period of mental ill health, and this first point of contact provides advice that can be implemented immediately to make the person feel better. Aaron shares that she decided to start an external mental health first aid company because she went through a period of mental ill health a few years ago, and the stress she was feeling was caused by his workplace. She further explains that the equestrian industry doesn't have enough mental health support for employees, and that she wants to create a company that provides mental health services for the equestrian industry. The company, called "The First Hurdle," will provide mental health support for equestrian business owners and a subscription service for employees. The company will also have an online portal with information that employees can access at any time and a mental health first aid line. Jenni and Aaron discuss the signs and symptoms of mental illness and the importance of being vigilant and looking out for changes in behaviour. They also talk about the stigma that still exists around mental health and stresses the importance of investing in employees' mental health care. The episode concludes with information about The First Hurdle's mental health vetting of companies, which is a confidential questionnaire that will help Aaron create a report on the mental health state of the business and what the employees are feeling. The report will also provide suggestions on what the business owner can do to improve mental health in the workplace. To learn more about The First Hurdle and its services, visit Aaron's Instagram page at @first.hurdle (https://www.instagram.com/first.hurdle/) and send her a message to request a mental health audit.