Mental health awareness was to the fore at Forth Valley College recently when Falkirk District Association of Mental Health (FDAMH) put on a performance of the play ‘Being Frank’.
The Falkirk Campus main hall was packed with students and staff on the afternoon of Thursday 28 September, as the talented cast performed the play which is an honest account of coping with the challenges of poor mental health. The aim of the production was to encourage people to talk about mental health and wellbeing as well as to reduce stigma.
Students from Health in Communities, Child Care, Core Skills, Health & Social Care were in attendance and NC Health and Social Care students were also offered this experience to become part of their curriculum. Students also took part in a supportive workshop afterwards to reflect on the play and to work towards a Healthy Body Healthy Mind Open Badge for their CV. During the workshop an enthusiastic group of students gave their immediate responses to the play in a supportive setting.
Emily Stewart, from FDAMH, said: “The group have felt a real sense of satisfaction performing to the students and imparting their knowledge and experience of mental illness as well as challenging preconceived notions of what the illness is. FDAMH are very passionate about promoting learning in mental health – encouraging those affected by poor mental health to seek support and give hope that recovery is a journey and although a person suffering poor mental health might not be the same person at the end of their journey, it is possible to reclaim themselves and their personality.”
Valerie Cannon, FVC’s Wellbeing and Support Officer, said: “It was fabulous to see such interest in this mental wellbeing event. Students have since commented that they felt glad to be able to talk openly and honestly about looking after their mental health and this reflects ‘Being Frank’. Huge thanks to the FDAMH drama group and to everyone who helped to organise such a successful event. I am hoping the messages conveyed in the play will have a ripple effect throughout the college and Forth Valley.”
If any other students are interested in finding out more about mental wellbeing and helping to reduce stigma, please contact Val Cannon at wellbeing@forthvalley.ac.uk.