Salford City College Group makes commitment to support students and staff with their mental health and wellbeing

18 October 2021

Salford City College Group has reaffirmed their commitment to staff and students by signing up to a brand new national mental health and wellbeing charter - created by the Association of Colleges in conjunction with mental health experts.

The 11-point document includes commitments to:

• Promoting equality of opportunity and challenging mental health stigma
• Providing appropriate mental health training for staff
• Providing targeted individual mental health support where appropriate

Colleges across England teach and train 2.2 million people each year - including 685,000 young people. Every year, 1 in 10 young people experience a mental health problem and 1 in 5 young people aged 16-24 experience a common mental illness such as anxiety or depression at any one time. Add to these facts, 75% of adults with a diagnosable mental health problem experience their first symptoms before the age of 24 means that Salford City College Group plays a vital role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of its students and staff.

“With one in five young people experiencing a common mental illness within their lifetime, it is incredibly important to us at the College that we support these young people. That is why, signing this new national mental health and wellbeing charter is so important. No student should feel alone, and through our staff mental health training, we hope to support those in need.”

Rebecca Parks, Acting Principal at Salford City College Group

The charter ensures that each college creates an open and inclusive college ethos which includes respect for those with mental ill health. Richard Caulfield, Mental Health lead at the Association of Colleges, said: “Every single day colleges like Salford City College Group provide a world class education and transform the lives of millions of people. This includes providing support for both staff and student wellbeing at the right time, in the right place. This charter gives colleges the chance to publicly state their commitment to the mental health agenda.”