Sparsholt College Group makes commitment to support students and staff with their mental health and wellbeing

Sparsholt and Andover College has reaffirmed their commitment to staff and students by signing up to a brand new national mental health and wellbeing charter, which reflects the existing work of the college but provides a framework of recognition. This charter has been created by the Association of Colleges in conjunction with mental health experts.

The 11-point document includes commitments to:

• Promoting equality of opportunity and challenging mental health stigma
• Providing appropriate mental health training for staff
• Providing targeted individual mental health support where appropriate

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 Sparsholt and Andover College plays a vital role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of its students and staff.

Julie Milburn, Principal Designate and Safeguarding Lead for Sparsholt College Group, said:

“We are delighted to sign this mental health and wellbeing charter on behalf of our students and staff. Sparsholt College Group is committed to supporting health and wellbeing and recognise the importance of national campaigns such as this that raise the profile of such important issues.”

Richard Caulfield, Mental Health lead at the Association of Colleges, said:

“Every single day colleges like Sparsholt and Andover provide a world class education and transform the lives of millions of people. This includes providing support for both staff and student wellbeing at the right time, in the right place. This charter gives colleges the chance to publicly state their commitment to the mental health agenda.”