College signs mental health charter

Interim Principal Andy Cole with the signed charter

Gateshead College has signed a national mental health and wellbeing charter, demonstrating a commitment to supporting students and staff to live healthy, happy and fulfilling lives.

Created by the Association of Colleges in conjunction with mental health experts, the 11-point document includes commitments to: • Promote equality of opportunity and challenge mental health stigma • Provide appropriate mental health training for staff • Provide targeted individual mental health support where appropriate

Gateshead College already offers a wide range of mental health and wellbeing support for its thousands of students and staff ranging from staff mental health champions, mental health training and workshops for staff and students, a dedicated nurse and ongoing campaigns to start and stimulate conversation around wellbeing and mental health issues.

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.

Andy Cole, Interim Principal at Gateshead College, said: “The mental health and wellbeing of students and staff is our priority at Gateshead College and we are committed to doing everything we can to support our people.

“We’ve signed the AOC’s charter in recognition of the responsibility we have to support each person who studies or works with us to be able to live well and get the support they need in times of difficulty.”

Richard Caulfield, Mental Health lead at the Association of Colleges, said: “Every single day colleges like Gateshead 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.

“This charter gives colleges the chance to publicly state their commitment to the mental health agenda.”