College marks World Mental Health Day 2022

East Sussex College recognises the importance of raising awareness and outlining the significance of mental health ahead of World Mental Health Day 2022 (10 October).

The theme for this year’s event is 'Make Mental Health and Wellbeing for All a Global Priority'. East Sussex College strives to support all students and staff, not just on World Mental Health Day, but all year round. Earlier this year, the College became a Mental Health Committed Employer by signing up to the Workplace Mental Health Charter. In doing so, the College pledges to raise awareness within the workplace on the importance of mental health.

In an effort to further raise awareness and outline the significance of mental health, the Wellbeing team at the College has shared wellbeing brochures for both staff and students.

Rebecca Conroy, CEO and Principal at East Sussex College, said, “East Sussex College is passionate about promoting and supporting mental health and wellbeing to both students and staff.

“Our students and staff are always at the centre of what we do, and World Mental Health Day is a really important day on the College's calendar so that we encourage open dialogue about mental health and provide a wide range of support for people to access so that they know they are not alone.”

The role of the Wellbeing team at the College is also vital. They support students with any issues they may be facing during their time at College. Wellbeing mentors can offer practical support and advice to those struggling with more challenging issues. Find out more about the ESC Wellbeing team here.

The College also provides extensive links to students and staff to many mental health and LGBTQ+ support sites, including the following:

• Mind
• Switchboard
• Black Minds Matter UK
• Eggtooth
• Allsorts
• i-Rock
• Health in Mind
• Ditch The Label
• Samaritans
• Taraki

The World Health Organization (WHO) states, “This will be an opportunity for people with mental health conditions, advocates, governments, employers, employees and other stakeholders to come together to recognize progress in this field and to be vocal about what we need to do to ensure Mental Health & Wellbeing becomes a Global Priority for all.”

This year's World Mental Health Day theme is set by the World Federation for Mental Health. Find out more on World Mental Health Day here.