South Essex College raises awareness on World Mental Health Day

South Essex College marked World Mental Health Day on Wednesday by encouraging students and staff to talk about the subject.

The College Learning Resource Centres put up displays and collated books themed around mental health for people to read.

A talk was also held in Southend Pod by We Work Well with the aim of raising awareness and ending mental health stigma while showcasing support that is available.

Learning Centre Co-ordinator, Ruth Stewart, said it was important to raise awareness of the day.

She said: “The promotion of Mental Health Awareness Day within the Learning Resource Centres was an opportunity to address the stigma and discrimination that is often associated around this subject.

“Hopefully by giving students both the knowledge and skills to understand mental health issues they will be better equipped to identify the signs and be more accepting of the issues associated with mental health in the future."

The College also offers free online courses on the subject of mental health - Certificate In Awareness of Mental Health Problems, Understanding Children & Young People’s Mental Health, and Understanding Working With People With Mental Health Needs.

These courses are study at home programmes and learners can study one course in each subject area for free. For more information about the courses visit www.southessex.ac.uk