A new mental health agreement is aiming to improve the mental wellbeing of students at Forth Valley College.
Events were held at FVC’s Falkirk Campus on Friday 15 March, Stirling Campus on Tuesday 19 March and at the Alloa Campus on Wednesday 20 March to launch the new FVC Student Mental Health Agreement (SMHA) which is in line with National Union of Students (NUS) Scotland ‘Think Positive Campaign’ - https://www.thinkpositive.scot/about/
The agreement aims to tackle the stigma related to mental ill health, build capacity within the student body, engage hard to reach students, enhance the student voice with the ultimate goal of improving the mental wellbeing of everyone who attends the college.
At the events internal partners and external agencies hosted stands where students and FVC staff could find out more about what advice, support and help is available in this area.
Alice Smith, FVC’s Wellbeing and Support Officer, said: “So far the event has proved a success with a wide range of internal partners and external agencies who have made a valued contribution. We are delighted the college now has its own agreement and we look forward to breaking down barriers and stigmas and making life better for students who are affected by mental ill health.
"Over the coming months we will be running more joint events, enhancing support and raising awareness. We will be welcoming feedback from students throughout this endeavour. After all, FVC SMHA will put the student at the heart.”
Lindsay Graham, Vice President FVSA, said: “After months of hard work by Alice & the rest of the group involved in creating the SMHA, it’s great to finally see the document launched. The launch events have been well received by both students and staff with lots of interest in the work that has gone into creating the agreement. Going forward, it’s important to keep adding to the agreement and keeping the mental health of students at the forefront of everything we do at FVC.”
Wai Mun Lee FVC’s Leisure Facilities Officer, said: “This is a very positive start to the Student Mental Health Agreement campaign. Alice has worked tirelessly ensuring the right mental health support is in place for all our students and the gym team are more than happy to assist with the campaign. By improving student physical health and wellbeing we can start the process of helping students deal with mental health issues positively.”
For more information please contact: alice.smith@forthvalley.ac.uk or lindsay.graham@forthvalley.ac.uk
In-depth information on the Student Mental Health Agreement (SMHA) can be found at: https://www.thinkpositive.scot/about/
External helpline numbers:
Breathing Space: 0800 83 85 87
Samaritans: 116 123
Photo from L-R: Waimun Lee (Leisure Facilities-Co-ordinator), Chloe Slimin-Millet (Student), Alice Smith (Wellbeing Officer), Elena Semple (FVSA Officer), Liam Williams (FVSA-President).
