
Students at West Lothian College organised a community event to draw attention to mental health during Mental Health Awareness Week (15th to 21st May).
Preparation for Health and Social Care students organised a walk to promote healthy conversations about mental health using dinosaurs to strengthen their message to leave the fear of talking in the Stone Age and stomp out stigma.
The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week main theme was anxiety, something that was highlighted on the walk through conversation.
Nearly a hundred people took part in the walk, including people from local organisations that support good mental health, and friends and family of students. Including supportive organisations like the Neil’s Hugs Foundation promoted an understanding of their role and the services they provide, as well as how to contact them.
Marion Darling, social care lecturer at West Lothian College said:
“The feedback from those who participated has been amazing, with people commenting that it has massively supported their mental health.
The message behind the dinosaurs was to leave the fear of talking in the Stone Age and roar for mental health and stomp out the stigma associated with it. It was a fabulous day for the walk which went along the river near the college campus, building stronger communities.
I am incredibly proud of the Preparation for Health and Social Care students for arranging this entire event themselves.”