BSDC makes commitment to support students and staff with their mental health and wellbeing

Burton and South Derbyshire College has reaffirmed its commitment to staff and students by signing up to a national mental health and wellbeing charter, 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 and 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 BSDC plays a vital role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of its students and staff.

Katy Broomfield, Head of Services for Learners and Customer Experience at Burton and South Derbyshire College said: “We are committed to supporting our students and staff with their mental health and wellbeing, and ensuring their time at college is happy and successful, helping them achieve their education and career goals. Committing to the national mental health and wellbeing charter is a useful way for colleges to get people talking about mental health issues and to promote the help and support that is available.”

Richard Caulfield, Mental Health lead at the Association of Colleges, said: “Every single day colleges like Burton and South Derbyshire College 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.”