West Lothian College Students and Staff Tackle Mental Health Stigma

West Lothian College hosted a successful mental health and wellbeing refreshers’ fair to encourage students to talk about their mental health. The event was organised by Preparation for Health and Social Care students in partnership with the college’s Student Association.

Over 1,200 students took part in a wide range of activities, with many saying that the timing of the event was perfect as January can be a particularly difficult time for them.
During the event Beauty students offered free manicures to anyone looking to pamper themselves, and sports students carried out health checks and kickboxing lessons as a way of managing emotions.

Construction students worked with Health and Social Care students on an anti-stigma campaign and created a giant wooden story book containing stories from students and staff who shared their experiences of dealing with poor mental health.

The event was supported by a wide range of local organisations and charities who came along to offer guidance to students. Donna Harvie-Paterson from mental health charity Neil’s Hugs spoke to students during ‘tea and a chat’ sessions, giving out lots of hugs! Amongst the many activities, students took part in the empowering experience of walking on glass barefoot to demonstrate the power of the mind to overcome challenges.

Health and Social Care lecturer, Marion Darling, said: “A big thank you everyone who helped out on the day, especially our Student Association and their volunteers. I am very proud of our Preparation for Health and Social Care students who planned and hosted many of the activities, and of our Preparation for Construction students who worked with them to create the fantastic anti-stigma outdoor structures that were placed around the campus.”