Supporting mental wellbeing among staff and students

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week. 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, meaning that Myerscough plays a vital role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of its students and staff.

At Myerscough, we believe every student and staff member deserves to work, study and train in an environment that supports them to be healthy, happy and secure.

We take our commitment seriously and whilst we have a great track record, we are always keen to do more. Our students and staff can hold us to account as we continue to work together to support their health and wellbeing whilst they are with us.

This week, we held a mental health event at our main Bilsborrow campus.

The aim of this event was to link students and staff with local charities and support organisations, as well as having some fun.

The event included external organisations show casing their services, an inflatable obstacle course, cold water pods, an arts and crafts tent and a wellness raffle.

Meanwhile, Myerscough College is proud to be signed up to a national mental health and wellbeing charter, created by the Association of Colleges (AoC).

The measures set out in the charter aim to help promote early intervention for those struggling with their mental health, and create a supportive environment, sending students and staff a clear message that if they are struggling with their mental health, support is available.

Myerscough also recognises that in the UK, people experiencing mental ill health continue to report stigma and discrimination at work.

Myerscough is committed to creating a supportive and open culture, where colleagues feel able to talk about mental health confidently and aspire to appropriately support the mental wellbeing of all staff.

The charter has more main themes detailing good practice principles and standards.

Leadership and ethos: Through authentic leadership, we will model and champion an inclusive culture that meets the needs of the college community. We will embed a consistent and coordinated whole-college approach to mental health through effective governance and leadership that ensures wellbeing permeates all aspects of college life.

Support for students: We will foster a physically and psychologically safe and welcoming environment that promotes wellbeing, proactively supporting students’ mental health throughout their learning journey.

Workplace wellbeing: We will nurture a culture that supports and invests in people and their wellbeing and create an exceptional working environment where colleagues feel valued, supported and can thrive.

Evidence and impact: We will deliver and develop services, policies and strategy which are responsive to research and evidence of lived-experience and community need. We will provide transparent accountability through consistent and effective mechanisms, regular evaluation and reporting, and have a partnership approach to college activity.

Further reading:

Inclusive Learning

Safeguarding