MENTAL health is at the heart of a new project at Solihull College and University Centre.
A team of students have been trained up as volunteer wellbeing ambassadors thanks to Solihull Council to help remove the stigma surrounding mental health.
The first cohort have been trained by the college’s mental health lead, Fathima Ashraff-Ali and mental health support worker, Blair Sweeney based on Solihull Council’s wellbeing model which has been adapted to suit the college’s community.
They have started their new roles by distributing leaflets and holding information stands to let fellow students know of the service.
Computing and Emerging Technologies student, George Hotten, a wellbeing ambassador, said: “I want to make sure that students know where to go to get the support they need so that they don’t struggle in silence.
“Our aim as wellbeing ambassadors is to signpost students and I’m happy to be part of something where I can draw on my own experiences and understanding of mental health and share some positivity.”
The wellbeing ambassadors will be organising events to raise awareness and sharing information with students about where to get help in the college.
Enrichment coordinator, Grace Wynne Willson, added: “We recognise the challenges that have arisen with lockdown and the importance of investing in our students’ mental health wellbeing.
“Programmes such as these are an added support to the excellent service the mental health team already offer our students.
“I’m proud of this group of students who have stood up to make a positive impact on the college community.”
