USP College has reaffirmed its commitment to staff and students by signing up to a brand new 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
- 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 USP College plays a vital role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of its 3,980 students and 512 staff.
Clare White, Deputy Principal Corporate & Student Services at USP College, said: “At USP College we understand how important mental wellbeing is in allowing students to perform at their best academically and beyond, as well as how early intervention can equip our young people for a lifetime of resilience. We are absolutely committed to challenging the stigma surrounding mental wellbeing, as well as ensuring expert support is available for anyone who needs it.
“We are continually implementing new initiatives to promote and support mental wellbeing, with our latest being the addition of peer-to-peer support through TogetherAll, an accessible, open and inclusive online community for those experiencing mental health challenges or illness.”
Richard Caulfield, Mental Health lead at the Association of Colleges, said:
“Every single day colleges like USP 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.”