Talking about mental health is now much more commonplace in educational settings, which is something to be celebrated. But there is still more to do to make sure everyone feels able to speak about how they are feeling. Time to Talk Day is an initiative run by the UK’s leading mental health charities and encourages more open discussion of people’s wellbeing in order to remove the stigma surrounding such conversations, which has proven hard to completely remove.
The pandemic proved a major challenge for people’s mental health, students and staff alike. It is important that college staff are aware of how to respond to students and colleagues who are struggling. But how can staff ensure they have the confidence and vocabulary to know what to do? And how can students be empowered to help themselves and each other?
As part of Active IQ’s partnership with the AoC, we are working closely together to support and upskill learners and staff alike. Last year, we supported college staff with a series of interactive webinars to give practical tips, strategies and knowledge for identifying and supporting someone struggling with poor mental health. More specifically, sessions were designed to prepare colleagues to give support to students who may be feeling suicidal. Spotting early warning signs alongside practical advice on preventative measures were a key part of the training. Our hope is that with more education like this, the shocking numbers of attempted suicides among our nation’s young adults will decline significantly in the coming years.
