College students given lesson in mental health
Hearing the views of the students is vital and the information gathered will help me shape the role going forward
Ayrshire College’s mental health and wellbeing advisor encouraged students and staff to talk about mental health issues during mental health awareness week.
Paul Hough delivered a series of presentations to staff across all the college’s campuses. The presentations were delivered to help staff better understand his role and talk about some of the planned work going into the next academic year and beyond.
Paul organised an event at the Kilwinning Campus.
A range of partners including Penumbra, Breaking the Silence, Choose Life, Touched by Suicide, KA Leisure and the College’s Alcohol and Drugs Liaison Officer, Cara Durnie, set up stalls to provide information for students.
Paul also had his own stall promoting his post as well as encouraging students to complete a survey in relation to mental health.
Paul, whose campus- based position is funded by Ayrshire College and the Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnerships, hopes students will take the opportunity to come forward earlier with any issues they are facing.
He has been in the role since February and has over 15 years of experience working within both health and social care, supporting individuals with varying degrees of mental and emotional health issues.
Paul said “Hearing the views of the students is vital and the information gathered will help me shape the role going forward.
“My role involves working directly with the student population by delivering a series of workshops where I aim to help students identify and build on their inner resources, which is vital if students are able to manage challenging and difficult situations.
“The workshops will help students understand more about the importance of maintaining good mental health and give advice in relation to some of the strategies which can be used to help them maintain good mental and emotional health.
“I will also link closely with student services and inclusive learning staff at the college to offer advice and guidance through weekly consultations across all college campuses.”
Paul goes on to explain the importance of early intervention by saying: “The earlier people recognise that they are struggling with their emotional/ mental health, the better the outcomes will be.
“I am keen to send a message to the student population that we all have mental health and wellbeing and that by taking action it can be maintained and improved, which is no different to other aspects of health.”