THE benefits of psychological and mental health first aid is to be the focus of North Yorkshire’s support for World Mental Health Day on October 10.

The county council is training around 500 members of staff from adult and children social care teams to deliver mental health first aid.

The staff come into contact with hundreds of residents every day, many of whom may require support with their mental health and wellbeing.

And after the training, staff will be able to provide help, and guide them towards the appropriate support.

Councillor Clare Wood, the chairman of the county council’s health and well-being board, said: “We are training our staff to become mental health first aiders because we know they come into contact with people who are some of the most vulnerable in our society.”