Sixth Form College nominated for a national award for mental health first aid

Rochdale Sixth Form College has been nominated for a national Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Award

Rochdale Sixth Form College has been nominated for a national Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Award, in recognition of their exemplary work in the field of mental health. The event will be held on 25 February 2015 at the House of Lords in Westminster, London.

This is the fifth year that the organisation has celebrated the people who contribute to making MHFA such a growing force within England. 

Deborah Faulkner, Assistant Principal said: "Our aim at Rochdale Sixth Form College is to ensure that all students can access the support required to achieve their full potential. We never underestimate the impact a student’s mental health and wellbeing can have on their academic performance. We want students to feel comfortable talking to staff, parents and their peers about these issues and the more we can do to highlight mental health and break down some of the associated barriers, the better prepared our students will be in coping with life beyond A Level study."

Mental ill health affects one in four people in the UK and is often not disclosed due to the stigma that continues to be attached to it. MHFA breaks down the barriers that prevent people from seeking help and gives people the ability to assist someone who is experiencing mental distress.