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% of adults with a diagnosable mental health problem experience their first symptoms before the age of 24 means that Runshaw College plays a vital role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of its 5000+ students and 600+ staff.
So that is why, during Mental Health Awareness week (13- 19 May), we are delighted to sign the Association of Colleges Mental Health and Wellbeing Charter to confirm our commitment to create an environment that proactively supports and promotes student and staff wellbeing. The Charter, created by AoC in partnership with college leaders and senior mental health leads, is an updated version of the original published five years ago and will support us to reflect on our mental health policies and practice to develop a whole-college approach to mental health and wellbeing.
The signing ceremony (pictured below) took place with our Principal Clare Russell, together with staff and student Mental Health Champions. Clare added, “It is so important that we all look after our mental health and wellbeing and create a supportive and inclusive environment where we can talk openly about mental health. By signing this Charter today, we are reaffirming our commitment to promote positive attitudes to mental health and take actions to proactively support staff and students with their mental health and wellbeing”.
