Students host event to combat loneliness
College’s support
The Mental Health Foundation has been given a cash boost by students.
West Lothian College raised around £ 400 for the group and hosted an event which aimed to tackle issues of loneliness and isolation. Health and Social Care students from the college planned, and hosted a Tea and a Chat event.
This event aimed to tackle issues of loneliness and isolation within the West Lothian Community and to foster mental wellbeing, community spirit and foster new relationships.
Tea and a Chat allowed visitors to come into the college and enjoy the opportunity to interact and build new relationships with others.
The students welcomed representatives and participants from the local Mood group, staff and volunteers from the local carers of West Lothian branch, NHS staff, elderly parents with care needs, individuals who provide care for others, as well as a mixture of students and staff from sport and fitness, childcare and other areas of the college.
Janice Walker, acting head for Health and Social Care, Social Science and Science commented: “This was a fantastic example of how West Lothian College is reaching out to the local community while providing our students with valuable experience, it is win-win.
“The event was a huge success with everyone enjoying a plentiful supply of amazing cakes and numerous refills of tea or coffee.
“There are many highlights from the day, with people offering to come in as speakers, looking to develop their contact with the college and also to request more opportunities to come together to combat loneliness and isolation as well as continuing to foster opportunities to develop new relationships.
“Following this event (and an earlier practice run which included a bake sale), the health and social care students raised around £400 for the Mental Health Foundation.”