This Mental Health Awareness Week, Warrington and Vale Royal College has reaffirmed their commitment to staff and students by signing up to a brand new national mental health and wellbeing charter – created by the Association of Colleges in conjunction with mental health experts.
The 11-point document includes commitments to:
- Promoting equality of opportunity and challenging mental health stigma
- Providing appropriate mental health training for staff
- Providing targeted individual mental health support where appropriate
Colleges across England teach and train 2.2 million people each year – including 685,000 young people. Every year, 1 in 10 young people experience a mental health problem and 1 in 5 young people aged 16-24 experience a common mental illness such as anxiety or depression at any one time. Add to these facts, 75 per cent of adults with a diagnosable mental health problem experience their first symptoms before the age of 24 means Warrington and Vale Royal College plays a vital role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of its 8458 students and 459 staff.
Nichola Newton, principal and chief executive at Warrington and Vale Royal College, said: “Every student and staff member deserves to work, study and train in an environment that supports them to be healthy, happy and secure. That is why I am proud to sign the AoC Mental Health and Wellbeing Charter on behalf of Warrington & Vale Royal College.
“We take our commitment seriously and whilst we have a great track record, we are always keen to do more. This charter provides a clear direction of travel that our students and staff can hold us to account as we continue to work together to support their health and wellbeing whilst they are at Warrington & Vale Royal College.”
Richard Caulfield, mental health lead at the Association of Colleges, said: “Every single day colleges like Warrington and Vale Royal College provide a world class education and transform the lives of millions of people. This includes providing support for both staff and student wellbeing at the right time, in the right place.
“Mental Health Awareness Week is an opportunity to celebrate the brilliant things that go on and our charter gives colleges the chance to publicly state their commitment to the mental health agenda.”
