Mental Health Building Blocks

We are proud to provide flexible, practical and impactful training that is tailored to meet your needs. We know that one size doesn't fit all when it comes to learning and for that reason we consult with you before undertaking any sessions. We want you to gain the most from your time with us so that any learning has the greatest impact and long term benefit. 

At Mental Health Building Blocks we aim to reduce the stigma of mental health, improve skills and knowledge and empower people to make a positive difference to those around them. 

• Registered Nurse (Mental Health) (NMC)
• Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist (BABCP)
• EMDR Therapist 
• MHFA England Instructor 
• SafeTALK and ASIST Trainer

My name is Jay Thompson and I am a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist and Registered Nurse (Mental Health) who is a qualified as a Mental Health First Aid instructor through Mental Health First Aid England CIC. I have worked across the UK in a range of services including inpatient mental health services, NHS community teams and in the third sector providing therapy and psychological treatment. Jay specialises in working with children, adolescents and young adults with anxiety, depression, and trauma related difficulties. . 

I am passionate about early intervention and prevention; believing that given the right knowledge, skills and confidence any individual can help keep those around them safe whilst reducing the stigma associated with mental health. My approach to teaching is learner focused, always ensuring that individuals are given the time and space to explore and understand the topic whilst providing continued support. I place a particular emphasis on the importance of safe learning spaces, especially when discussing potentially challenging topics. 

Outside of my professional life I volunteer for Scouting, which has given me key insights into the role of the voluntary sector both across the UK and Europe. I also hold qualifications as a Mountain Leader and Climbing Instructor. I am an advocate of the benefits of the great outdoors, strongly believing that experiencing adventure can have a positive impact on resilience and mental health. 

I established Mental Health Building Blocks as a way of providing high quality training that both upskills and increases the confidence of participants.
 

"I am blown away by how much I have enjoyed the past few days. As someone who would have said they were already quite knowledgeable around mental health I've come away feeling even more informed and totally confident in being able to deliver first aid to those who might need it. Jay was absolutely fantastic. Gentle, kind and so knowledgeable in his profession and a credit to MHFA England. I thought he was so engaging and really delivered the course content in a way that was easy to understand. The way he challenged the use of potentially harmful language within the group setting was well thought-out, respectful and fair and I will apply his technique in conversations moving forward.I would recommend this course and particularly Jay!"

"This is one of the best run courses I have ever been on. Our instructor was brilliant at setting the ground rules, leading the discussions, using non-judgemental language and compassion in his delivery. He is clearly an expert in his field. He was also good at bringing discussions back on track and keeping focused in a clear way.I have always wanted to know how I can help when i see one of my colleagues/friends in distress and now I know how to listen and understand compassionately."