Students team up to #SmashTheStigma of mental health

Mental health is a key priority for both the Borders College Students’ Association (BCSA) and Heriot-Watt University Student Union (HWUSU) this year. As such, the organisations teamed up to deliver 2018’s ‘Smash the Stigma’ event at the Scottish Borders Campus in Galashiels.

The purpose of the event was to break the stigma around mental health, and get students talking to each other, and to professionals, about their mental health journeys.

Twenty local organisations and charities supported the event, providing information and advice on how to maintain good mental health, and where to get support during the tricky times.

Also getting involved were 2 young musicians; former Borders College student Dylan Paterson, and local singer/songwriter Erin Highton, who provided a laid-back musical soundtrack to the day.

Douglas Jardine, Student President at Borders College, said of the event:

“I am very proud of our smash the stigma day. It was great to work with HWUSU and deliver an event for all students on campus.
“This was a key part of our mental health campaign this year and we’ll be doing more throughout the year, working towards our goals in the Healthy Body Healthy Mind awards, delivered by the National Union of Students and Scottish Students Sport.”

Smash the Stigma was part of the wider Scottish Borders Diversity Week celebration, which Borders College is playing a key role in, opening its doors to the community at a Diversity Celebration event on Saturday 22 September 2018 between 11am – 3pm. With a range of workshops, performances and activities for all the family, this event is not to be missed!