AoC Mental Health & Wellbeing Charter

York College has reaffirmed their commitment to staff and students by signing up to a brand new national mental health and wellbeing charter - created by the Association of Colleges in conjunction with mental health experts.

The 11-point document includes commitments to:

• Promoting equality of opportunity and challenging mental health stigma
• Providing appropriate mental health training for staff
• Providing targeted individual mental health support where appropriate

Colleges across England teach and train 2.2 million people each year - including 685,000 young people. Every year, 1 in 10 young people experience a mental health problem and 1 in 5 young people aged 16-24 experience a common mental illness such as anxiety or depression at any one time. Add to these facts, 75% of adults with a diagnosable mental health problem experience their first symptoms before the age of 24 means York College plays a vital role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of its 7000+ students and 700+ staff.

Lee Probert, Principal at York College, says: “Looking after our mental health and wider wellbeing is so important. The actions in this charter will enable us to foster an environment where we talk openly about mental health as well as promote the availability of support to our staff and students. In signing this charter today, we are reaffirming our commitment to promoting positive attitudes towards mental health, as well as signalling that, it’s ok not to be ok, and we are here for you.”

Lee Probert, Chief Executive and Principal at York College signing the AoC Mental Health & Wellbeing Charter - 25th May 2021.

Richard Caulfield, Mental Health lead at the Association of Colleges, said:

“Every single day colleges like York College provide a world class education and transform the lives of millions of people. This includes providing support for both staff and student wellbeing at the right time, in the right place. This

charter gives colleges the chance to publicly state their commitment to the mental health agenda.”

Clare Stafford, CEO of the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust, said:

“We passionately believe that mental health support of the highest standard should be available to all young people and college staff. The launch of the Charter further enhances the Association of College’s long-standing commitment to this. As a charity, the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust is delighted to be working in collaboration with AoC and fully endorses the principles and intentions of this important new Charter”