A THREE-YEAR programme has been introduced by SRUC to build awareness of mental ill health among both its workforce and student community.

Launched today (October 10), which is World Mental Health Awareness Day, the new strategy aims to provide a clear path forward to adopt innovative ideas and opportunities to support health and wellbeing, centring on prevention of both work-related and lifestyle-influenced ill health.

In the UK, 70 million days are lost from work each year due to mental ill health, making it the leading cause of sickness absence – in a community of 100 people, 25 will experience a mental health problem in any given year.

SRUC HR director, Gavin Macgregor, said: “It is really important that at SRUC we build a culture of support and tackle the stigma of issues around mental wellbeing."

The college's head of environment, health and safety, David Collins, added: “SRUC's new three-year strategy has been designed to benefit everyone. It recognises that we can do much to prevent mental health issues and provide an environment where staff and students can recognise and support others who might need help.

“Our guiding principle is for SRUC and our students association to work in partnership to ensure we are making a difference. It will remain a priority now and in the future.”

As part of the launch, the college and its student association, SRUCSA, will introduce 'Shady', a customised black dog statue, as part of its link up with the charity SANE, which aims to reduce stigma around mental health, and provide support for those struggling.

SRUC’s student experience manager, Sonia Filby, said: “Joint and committed work on mental wellbeing has led to us being part of SANE’s black dog initiative. The black dog will become a voice within SRUC for mental wellbeing support through its own Twitter account.”

SRUCSA president Gemma Jones also commented: “Mental health issues can prevent someone from fulfilling their academic potential which can impact on future life decisions. Access to the right support at the right time is critical.

“SRUCSA is therefore delighted to be partnering SRUC as we build awareness and understanding of mental ill health and work as a community to collectively support each other.”