Hopwood Hall College commits to mental health and wellbeing support

Richard Caulfield, Mental Health lead at the Association of Colleges signs the charter with Julia Heap, Hopwood Hall College staff and Clinical Psychologists from the Nurture-Psychology Service

Hopwood Hall College has signed 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

Julia Heap, Principal & CEO at Hopwood Hall College, said at the signing of the charter: “Every student and staff member deserves to work, study and train in an environment that supports them to be healthy, happy and secure.

“That’s why I am proud to sign the AoC Mental Health and Wellbeing Charter on behalf of Hopwood Hall College.

“We take our commitment seriously and whilst we have a great track record, we are always keen to do more. I think there’s a lot of work to be done on a national and local scale to develop support further.

“This charter provides a clear direction of travel that our students and staff can hold us to account as we continue to work together to support their health and wellbeing whilst they are at Hopwood Hall College.”

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. Also, 75% of adults with a diagnosable mental health problem experience their first symptoms before the age of 24 which means colleges play a vital role in supporting the mental health of people in their communities.