Aberystwyth University staff and students are leading the way to help break the silence around mental health.
Aberystwyth University and the Students’ Union yesterday signed the Time to Change Wales pledge, which puts an action plan together to end the stigma and discrimination faced by people with mental health problems. The pledge was signed in the Students’ Union by Rebecca Davies, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Laura Dickens, Students’ Union Welfare Officer.
During the event, the Time to Change Wales student society was also launched. Formed by students for students, the society seeks to raise awareness of mental health and actively promote the pledge throughout the University.
Rebecca Davies, Pro-Vice Chancellor said: “Equality and diversity is at the heart of University’s vision. Both the University and Students’ Union offer services that provide support for people concerned about mental health issues. These services include counselling and wellbeing support that are open to all students and staff. Mental health is precious and we are working hard to remove stigma and discrimination.”
Laura Dickens, Students’ Union Welfare Officer said: “I’m very pleased that in signing the pledge, students will know that their Union and the University are willing to talk about mental health, and I’m looking forward to working with staff on campus towards implementing the actions of this pledge”
Olymbia Petrou, the University’s Equalities Advisor said: “Aberystwyth University is the first university in Wales to be signing this pledge and we are proud to be leading in this important work. Our commitment to raising awareness of mental health has been through a collaborative University and Students Union approach with the aim of promoting mental health awareness.
Antony Metcalfe Time to Change Wales Programme Manager added:
“We are delighted that both Aberystwyth University and Aberystwyth Students’ Union are taking these steps to end stigma and get people talking about mental health. Although one in four people experience mental health problems, it can still be a taboo subject. Yet a few simple words like ‘how are you?’ can make a big difference.
We hope this will inspire other organisations to get involved and work with Time to Change Wales to end mental health stigma.”