NWRC Safeguarding Team promoted Mental Health Awareness Week

The theme this year was movement and we developed enjoyable activities for all students to take part in throughout the week, this included laughter yoga, Peace of the Foyle walk, games and Wear it Green Day.

Mental health, anxiety and depression are they most common referrals to the Safeguarding team, so the aim was to make the week uplifting and positive for students

Local mental health organisations attended the ‘Feel Good Fair’ including, Aware NI, Papyrus, NSPCC, Common Youth, Aware Defeat Depression, Hive and Therapy dogs NI to promote their services and support to young people.

A charity orienteering walk organised by Sport students took place on 15 May as part of Mental Health Week activities. Staff from Limavady and Strabane campuses also took part. The students raised approximately £230 with donations still open via the Just Giving page link.

Staff Health and Wellbeing Day took part on 17th May as part of Mental Health Awareness Week. Staff had the opportunity of engaging in activities such as gardening, pottery, crafts, yoga, and much more.

Students were also provided with free tea, coffee, ice cream and pizzas across all campuses.

ASCERT Drug and Alcohol service for the WHSCT delivered Understanding Substance Misuse workshops across all campuses throughout the week.

Students had the opportunity to take part in ‘Have Your Say Day’ student voice conference which gave them the chance to give feedback on their experience as a student in the college. Including one of the topics being mental health support. The team have to collate the feedback and suggestions for review.