South Essex College held a series of events for students and staff to support Mental Health Awareness Day.

On Tuesday, external organisations such as the Samaritans and Mind visited the College to talk to students.

A ‘Positivi-tea and Cake’ event took place in Southend’s Atrium Café in the morning.

It was an opportunity for staff and students to get together in an informal setting to gather further support and information about mental health, plus there was free tea and cake.

Stacey Pearson, Safeguarding Adviser, said: “We are committed to raising awareness around mental health and further enhancing the supportive environment that we have in the College.

“Experiencing mental health problems is something that can affect any one of us, and it is essential that we provide support and knowledge to our staff and students.

"We hope the work that we are doing will go a long way in encouraging and promoting positive mental health.”

The We Work Well team also attended the College during the day to promote their ‘elephant in the room’ campaign about issues students find hard to talk about.

They created a YouTube video with students from the College - https://youtu.be/hKRR2-u2whg

Sadie Hopson, Founder of We Work Well, said: “Mental Health Awareness Day is a vital event in the calendar that helps us to tackle stigmas and raise awareness about mental health issues being faced in society.

“This year we were grateful to be given the opportunity to come and work with the students at the College and talk to them about their ‘elephant in the room.’

"Young people face a huge number of different pressures and it’s important we actively spread the message that, if they are struggling to cope, they’re not alone.”

There was also a pledge wall placed at each Campus in Basildon, Southend and Thurrock.

The theme was ‘In your mate’s corner’ and students were encouraged to leave pledges about helping friends with mental health challenges.

The College’s Safeguarding team is on hand across all three campuses to offer support and advice to students.

For further information, please email safeguarding@southessex.ac.uk