The University marked its Mental Health Day last Thursday.

University Mental Health Day is a national campaign to focus efforts on promoting the mental health of people who live, work and study in Higher Education. At the University of Glasgow, it provides a welcome opportunity to raise awareness of our work to:

  • support the wellbeing of all students and members of staff
  • support people who are suffering from mental ill health
  • combat the stigma that can still be attached to mental ill health

We are keen that everyone is aware of the services that are available for staff and students.

For students, our award-winning Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) has been expanded and offers help for a range of problems, the most common of which are anxiety, depression and relational issues. CAPS also refers students to specialist external services dealing with, for example, post-traumatic stress, eating disorders and personality disorders.

For staff, we work with a locally based counselling service called PAM Assist. PAM Assist has long experience in helping individuals with a diverse range of mental health conditions or who simply need help with everyday problems such as debt. It offers completely confidential telephone advice and counselling as well as face-to-face sessions.

As well as the above, the Student Representative Council and the University are collaborating to expand the range of training opportunities for staff and students which address mental health issues. This is not about turning people into professional psychologists or counsellors, but about enabling staff and students to recognise mental health issues and signpost friends and colleagues towards the best sources of help.

Among the initiatives now underway are:

  • Mental Health First Aid training
  • Mind Your Mate training
  • Peer Support Programme

These initiatives are key aspects of the Mental Health Action Plan, a joint initiative of the University and the SRC. All four campus trade unions have also endorsed the plan and the TUs are represented on the Mental Health Group which is overseeing implementation of the plan.

Together, we are determined to raise the profile of mental health issues, extend training and provide help at the point of need. No one in the University community should have to suffer in silence from mental ill health; over the coming months, we would welcome your help in making UofG a national leader in addressing this vitally important agenda.

David Duncan
Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary		 Lauren McDougall
Vice-President, Student Support, SRC

First published: 5 March 2018

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