College appoints Mental Health First Aiders to boost support

A team of 37 volunteer mental health champions has been trained to bolster the network of support for students and staff at Loughborough College.

The College’s Mental Health First Aiders are staff members who volunteered to learn how to support people experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress.

The team have been trained in a range of skills, from having initial conversations through to supporting the person to get appropriate help. They can also provide early intervention help for someone who may be developing a mental health issue.

The move is part of the College’s proactive approach to mental health and wellbeing and follows hot in the pawprints of introducing therapy dogs to campus.

Heather Clarke, Assistant Principal and lead for wellbeing at Loughborough College, said: “It’s fantastic that we have been able to train so many members of staff to play such vital roles in our support network.

“Being a Mental Health First Aider is about helping triage people who need help and being confident and comfortable in signposting them to the right support as well as providing urgent help and guidance.

“It is the natural step for the College which is extremely proud to put our people first by focusing on wellbeing. It’s crucial for staff because of the pressures of life and the world at the moment and it’s critical for learners as we know how important positive mental health is in unlocking their potential.

“Although our Mental Health First Aiders are not trained to be therapists or psychiatrists, they can offer initial support through non-judgemental listening and guidance.”

Last year, the College recruited a Cockerpoo called Mylie to become its first-ever therapy dog and has added to its four-legged faculty with the arrival of Otis the Cockerpoo.