Forth Valley College marked International Mental Health Day with events at all three of their campuses.
Led by FVC’s new Health and Wellbeing Officer Alice Smith the events on Wednesday 10 October, invited local employers to set up stalls and provide information and advice to students about how suffering from mental health issues should in no way hinder their job search and employment prospects upon leaving college.
FVC’s Learning Resource Centre in the Alloa Campus hosted a craft table set up by David Gentles (LRC Assistant, Alloa Campus) to allow students to relax their mind will creating. This was well received by students and exhibitors as they felt it broke down barriers to communication. Also at the Alloa Campus were: Historic Environment Scotland (HES), Clackmannanshire Womens’ Aid, Alloa Advertiser, Skills Development Scotland, Forth Valley Student Association and a FVC Gym information table.
At Falkirk were The Cats Protection League, Bi-polar Scotland, Support in Mind, Re-union Canals, Skills Development Scotland, Penumbra, Forth Valley Student Association and the FVC Gym information table
At Stirling Colette Martin Stirling LRC assistant exhibited her FVC zines project and promoted a place to be creative and allow students to relax their mind. Students were able to hand design magazines that will eventually be printed and catalogued and displayed in the LRC. Hosting stalls were Reachout with Arts in Mind, Skills Development Scotland, Forth Valley Student Association and an FVC wellbeing service information table was also set up.
Alice Smith FVC’s Wellbeing and Support officer, who also had a stall at the event, said: “I felt the event went well and was well received by students. Initially it was quiet but once word got round in each campus, it then it picked up. Speaking to exhibitors in each campus, the general consensus was ‘as long as they made just one student aware of their service’ then it was a success. Thanks to all who supported the events.’’
