College pledges to tackle mental health “stigma”
07 December 2011
David James, the Principal of Oatridge College has, on behalf of staff and students, taken the pledge...to work towards eliminating the stigma and discrimination of mental ill-health.
The specialist landbased college has joined around 300 companies and organisations across Scotland which have already backed the "see me..." campaign. Its Director, Suzanne Vestri was present for a signing ceremony to mark Oatridge's commitment to build on the efforts it is already making to improve life for people with mental health problems.
Mr James gave an audience of staff and students details of a ten-point action plan to raise awareness, ranging from a special equality and diversity page on the college intranet to the promotion and provision of training courses for both staff and students.
Oatridge already works with the NHS Mental Health and Wellbeing team and the Health Improvement team from the Strathbrock Partnership Centre and encourages residential students to attend college activities designed to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
The Principal said that the College will now work towards achieving a Healthy Working Lives Award and, when appropriate, a Mental Health and Wellbeing Commendation Award.
From now on the College will display for students, staff and visitors a large "Pledge Plaque" which promises: "We are committed to working alongside the ‘see me...' campaign, and have agreed an action plan to end the stigma and discrimination experienced by people with mental health problems'"
In the picture David James (front) is seen with Suzanne Vestri and the "Pledge Plaque".
