Understanding ALGEE Action Plan for Mental Health

The ALGEE action plan is a five step approach used by Mental Health First Aiders to support people who may be experiencing a mental health crisis or challenge. It helps them respond with care, assess the situation, offer reassurance, and guide the person to appropriate professional help.

The ALGEE steps: Assess for risk, Listen without judgment, Give reassurance, Encourage professional help, and Encourage self-help – provide a simple guide for non-experts to support someone facing a mental health crisis, such as anxiety or depression.

Approximately 1 in 4 adults in England experiences a mental health problem each year (NHS England) , with anxiety and depression being the most common disorders. Women are more likely to be affected, with 20.7% reporting issues compared to 13.2% of men.

Knowing the best way to offer health is why understanding ALGEE Action Plan is important.

📚Become a Mental Health First Aider: Book 2-day MHFA Level 3 Training

What is ALGEE Action Plan?

The ALGEE Action Plan is a step by step guide used Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) to support people facing mental health problems or emotional distress.

It includes five steps: Assess for risk of suicide or harm, Listen without judgement, Give comfort and information, Encourage professional help, and Encourage self-help and other support options.

It was created in 2000 in Australia by Betty Kitchener, a nurse and teacher, and Anthony Jorm, a mental health expert. They wanted to make mental health support as straightforward as physical first aid.

Kitchener and Jorm started Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) in Canberra to support people with mental health problems and to reduce shame or misunderstanding. By 2001, the programme, with ALGEE at its heart, had spread across Australia. Today, the approach is used in the UK, Canada and USA.

The came up with the acronym for ALGEE which stands for:

A – Assess for risk of suicide or harm

L – Listen without judging

G – Give reassurance and information

E – Encourage professional help

E – Encourage self-help and other support

This plan gives clear step by step means to support someone in need at work, in school, or in the community.

The Five ALGEE Steps Explained

1. Assess for Risk of Suicide or Harm

Purpose: Check if the person is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others to keep them safe.

Explanation: Look for signs like suicidal thoughts or aggressive behaviour.

Ask calmly, “Are you thinking about harming yourself?” If there’s a risk, stay with them, remove any dangers (like sharp objects), and get urgent help, such as calling 999 or Samaritans (116 123) in the UK.

Example: If a colleague says, “I can’t go on,” ask, “Are you thinking of suicide?” If they say yes, stay with them and call for help.

Note: Safety is the most important thing here. Act quickly if there’s a sign of risk.

2. Listen Non-Judgementally

Purpose: Create a safe space for them (the person)to talk freely without being judged.

Explanation: Give them your full attention, keep eye contact, and reflect back what they say, like, “It sounds like you’re really stressed. “Avoid judging or saying things like, “Just snap out of it.” Ask open questions like, “Can you tell me more?” to help them talk.

Example: If a friend says they’re anxious, listen carefully and say, “That sounds tough. What’s been happening?” without trying to fix the problem immediately.

Note: Listening without judging helps build trust and makes them feel less alone.

3. Give Reassurance and Information

Purpose: Offer hope and correct any misunderstandings to help the person feel supported.

Explanation: Say things like, “You’re not alone, and help is out there.” Share simple facts, like, “Many people manage depression with support.” Don’t diagnose or give medical advice. Correct myths, like thinking mental health struggles are a weakness.

Example: If a student feels hopeless, say, “Lots of people feel this way, and there are ways to get better.”

Note: Keep reassurance genuine, but don’t downplay their feelings.

4. Encourage Appropriate Professional Help

Purpose: Guide the person towards getting professional support for longer-term care.

Explanation: Suggest resources like a GP, counsellor, or helplines (e.g., Mind at 0300 123 3393). Explain what getting help might involve, like, “A GP can refer you to therapy.”

If they hesitate, ask, “What’s stopping you?” to gently address any concerns.

Example: If someone is having panic attacks, say, “A GP could help and suggest treatments. Would you like help finding one?”

Note: Respect their pace but encourage them to seek professional support.

5. Encourage Self-Help and Other Support Strategies

Purpose: Give the person practical tools and social support to manage their mental health.

Explanation: Suggest simple self-help techniques like deep breathing, exercise, or journaling. Encourage them to talk to friends, family, or join support groups. Share helpful resources like NHS self-help guides or apps like Calm.

Example: If a colleague is stressed, say, “Try taking a short walk or talking to a friend. The NHS website has some great tips.”

Note: Suggest things that are easy to do and suited to their needs.

How to Use the ALGEE Action Plan as a Mental Health First Aider

As a Mental Health First Aider, your job is to support others. You are not a doctor or a therapist. This is how you can use ALGEE to help someone. The ALGEE Action Plan provides a clear, five-step framework to do this effectively.

1. Start with Confidence and Stay Calm

Talk to the person in a quiet and private place if you can. Stay calm even if they are upset.

Example: If a workmate is very quiet, you can say, “I have noticed you have been quiet lately. Are you okay?” This starts the conversation and lets you begin using ALGEE.

2. Follow the ALGEE Steps but Stay Flexible

First check if the person is in danger. If they are not, move on to listening and the next steps.

If things change and they say they are thinking about suicide, go back and check for danger again.

Example: If a student is worried about exams, listen first, then give kind words and suggest help like talking to a school counsellor.

3. Use What You Learnt in MHFA Training

Mental Health First Aid training helps you spot signs like mood changes or someone crying. Use this knowledge to help in the right way.

Example: If a friend is moving a lot and talking very fast, they may feel anxious. Stay calm, listen, and suggest slow breathing to help them feel better.

4. Respect Privacy and Safety

Keep what they say private unless they are in danger. If you must tell someone like a manager or call for help, explain why.

Example: You can say, “I am worried about your safety so I need to get help.” This builds trust.

5. Know What You Can and Cannot Do

You are not a doctor. Do not try to fix all their problems. Your job is to support them and help them find the right mental health support.

Example: If someone has panic attacks, tell them to visit their GP. Do not tell them what medicine to take.

6. Take Care of Yourself Too

Supporting others can be difficult. After a serious conversation, spend time alone, relaxed. You can write in a journal, speak to a friend, or rest. MHFA training also teaches how to look after yourself.

Example: If a team member says, “I cannot cope anymore,” ask, “Are you thinking about harming yourself?”

If they say no, listen to them, remind them help is out there, suggest they see their GP, and share a calming app. If they say yes, stay with them and call 999 or Samaritans at 116 123.

ALGEE helps you know what to do when someone needs support.

Important Points for Mental Health First Aider

It is important to remember your role as a Mental Health First Aider. You are there to support, not to give treatment.

Use the ALGEE steps to guide the person towards getting the right help and support within their reach.

Try to learn about support services in the UK, such as NHS mental health teams, Samaritans (116 123), or YoungMinds (0800 802 5544). This way, you can give helpful advice.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training is valid for three years. It is a good idea to take a refresher course to stay confident. These refresher courses usually cost between £79 and £195 per person depending on the level and content depth.

Always respect people’s backgrounds and beliefs. Be kind and understanding, just like you are taught in the Level 2 MHFA training.

The beauty of ALGEE is that you don’t need to be an expert to use it. It’s about being there for someone in a kind, supportive way – just like you would if they had a physical injury.

What You Learn About ALGEE in MHFA Training

If you’re new to Mental Health First Aid training, here’s what you will learn about the ALGEE Action Plan from our trainers at Caring for Care:

A – Assess for risk of suicide or harm

• You will learn how to spot signs that someone may be in danger.
• You will learn how to ask gently if they are thinking about suicide.
• You will also learn what to do if they are at immediate risk and need help quickly.

L – Listen non-judgementally

• You will practise how to listen with care, like making eye contact and nodding.
• You will learn how to make the person feel safe so they can talk.
• You will find out how to show you understand without judging their feelings.

G – Give reassurance and information

• You will learn simple facts about mental health problems like anxiety or depression.
• You will learn how to say things that help, like “Many people feel this way.”
• You will also learn about helpful leaflets, websites or services you can share.

E – Encourage appropriate professional help

• You will learn about different people who can help, like doctors or counsellors.
• You will learn how to suggest getting help in a kind way.
• You will also find out where to get help locally, like the NHS or mental health charities.

E – Encourage self-help and other support

• You will learn to share easy coping tips like deep breathing or going for a walk.
• You will learn how friends, family or support groups can help too.
• You will also hear about self-care ideas to use alongside professional help.

Understanding ALGEE Action Plan Using Relevant Case Studies

Case 1: A stressed co-worker showing signs of burnout

What Happened:

Liam, a colleague, has been quiet, snapping at teammates, and working late every day. He looks exhausted and overwhelmed.

Using ALGEE:

A : Approach, assess, assist: Ask Liam if you can have a quick chat in private. Express concern about how he’s been lately.

L : Listen non-judgmentally: Let him speak freely. Avoid offering quick fixes or judging his behaviour.

G : Give reassurance and information: Explain that burnout is common and help is available. Reassure him that it’s okay to feel this way.

E : Encourage professional help: Suggest speaking to HR, a mental health support line, or a counsellor.

E : Encourage self-help strategies: Recommend rest, setting boundaries, and small daily breaks to reduce pressure.

Key Lesson:

Burnout often builds slowly. Approaching someone early and listening without judgment can make a big difference.

Case 2: A student has a panic attack during class

What Happened:

Amir, a student, suddenly begins breathing fast and says he feels dizzy and can’t focus. He’s clutching his chest and panicking.

Using ALGEE:

A : Approach, assess, assist: Stay calm. Ask Amir if he’s okay and help him move to a quiet space.

L : Listen non-judgmentally: Let him describe what he’s feeling without interrupting or minimising it.

G : Give reassurance and information: Calmly tell him it seems like a panic attack and that it will pass. You are there to help.

E : Encourage professional help: Recommend that he talk to a school counsellor or nurse after he feels better.

E : Encourage self-help strategies: Teach simple breathing techniques and reassure him he’s not alone.

Key Lesson:
In panic situations, staying calm, giving clear reassurance, and helping with breathing can de-escalate quickly.

Case 3: A friend mentions feeling depressed and hopeless

What Happened:

Your friend Maya tells you she’s been feeling down for weeks and doesn’t see the point in anything anymore.

Using ALGEE:

A : Approach, assess, assist: Gently ask her more about how she’s feeling and how long this has been going on. Check if she’s thinking about harming herself.

L : Listen non-judgmentally: Let her speak openly, even about dark thoughts, without reacting with fear or shock.

G : Give reassurance and information: Let her know she’s not alone and that many people go through depression.

E : Encourage professional help: Suggest she talks to her GP or a mental health service.

E : Encourage self-help strategies: Help her plan small positive steps like going for a walk, keeping a journal, or reaching out to family.

Key Lesson:

Listening calmly and openly to someone in emotional pain can be the first step toward their recovery.

Case 4: A teammate experiences a personal loss

What Happened

Ben recently lost a loved one and has returned to work but seems withdrawn, unfocused, and emotional.

Using ALGEE:

A: Approach, assess, assist: Ask Ben how he’s coping and let him know you’re there to talk.

L : Listen non-judgmentally: Give him space to talk about his grief without hurrying the conversation.

G : Give reassurance and information: Let him know that grief is natural and it’s okay to feel a range of emotions.

E : Encourage professional help: Gently suggest talking to a grief counsellor or using employee support services.

E : Encourage self-help strategies: Mention that journaling, taking time off, or joining a support group might help.

Key Lesson:

Even if someone returns to work, they may still need support. Listening and checking in can help them feel less alone.

Conclusion

The ALGEE Action Plan is a simple five-step guide used in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA).

The steps are: check for danger or risk, listen without judging, give reassurance, suggest professional help, and encourage self-help.

ALGEE is not about giving treatment but guiding someone to the right support. It can be used at work, school, or in the community. MHFA training will teach you how to use the ALGEE action plan to help someone with a mental health problem.

MHFA training is the best way to learn how to use the ALGEE Action Plan. It helps you become a caring and confident Mental Health First Aider.

Anyone can become a Mental Health First Aider as long as they have the right qualities and skills for the MHFA role.

Mental health problems are common, and by learning ALGEE, you can make a big difference at work, school, or in your community.