Posted: 20/05/16
Mental health in mind at West Notts
A week of awareness raising about mental health issues has created a positive environment among staff and students at West Nottinghamshire College.
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Students Kalli Simkin and Brittany Roberts tried some of the foods known to boost the mood
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The mind apple tree had many contributions
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An inspiring mind apple
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Jacub spoke candidly about his life
From 16-22 May, the college staged a range of activities and events to support national Mental Health Awareness Week. The week is designed to combat stigma and discrimination towards mental health through awareness-raising and shining the spotlight on mental health.
Events kicked off on Monday (16 May), on the day before International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IdaHoBiT) with a visit from Jacub Sabo-Dutton, a trans-activist from Nottingham.
Jacub, 20, was born as a girl and spoke to students about his lifelong journey to live as a male. His talk ‘Me, Myself and I: A Trans Journey’ informed people about the mental struggle, physical operations and the battle to be accepted he endured as a child to finally being able to live as a man.
Health and social care student Paige Dowsett, 19, said: “It was amazing to hear Jacub’s story. It’s amazing and I was in awe of how brave he is to speak about his life and experience.
“It’s good to know that the college is supporting Mental Health Awareness Week. I work at Portland College in Mansfield as a support assistant and am aware of the needs of people with mental health issues, so it’s close to my heart.”
On Tuesday (17 May) the college hosted an information and advice fair at the Derby Road campus.
Various organisations came to offer advice and support on mental health issues, including Shire Counselling Service, Under-25s Mental Health Support Group, MIND, Let’s Talk, Sexions, Gendered Intelligence, Nottinghamshire Independent Domestic Abuse Service (NIDAS), Nottinghamshire Police and other support services.
A ‘Mind Apple Tree’ was available for staff and students to add their useful mind tips and place them on the tree to help promote a better understanding of the mind. Visitors to the event were also invited to go online to add their personal pledge to the Time To Change campaign which challenges the stigma of mental health.
People could also sample foods that improve the mood and took part in a quiz for a chance to win a shopping voucher and a large cuddly bear.
Beauty therapy students were on hand to help people relax by offering nail art and beauty tips, while Anytime Fitness gave support on how going to the gym regularly can help with mental well-being, while also offering free passes to staff and students and the college’s sports development team put on some physical activities for people to enjoy.
Senior learner support assistant for mental health, Pam Upton, said: “It was a fabulous week with our students really getting involved in continuing to support the college’s commitment to raising awareness of mental health issues and highlighting the support available both at college and in the community”.
