SERC Encourages Students to ‘Mind their Head’ on World Mental Health Day

SERC are hosting a series of activities as part of this years’ World Mental Health Day’ on 10 October 2019. With one in five people in Northern Ireland showing signs of a mental problem at any time, SERC want to put a spotlight on young people’s mental health and get everyone joining in the conversation to remind them that help is available.

Paul Walsh, SERC Downpatrick Campus Manager with responsibility for Pastoral Care across the College said, “World Mental Health Day activities will commence with Put it in Your Phone Day on 7 October when lecturers across the College will deliver an important message to students with a short presentation encouraging them to put emergency contact details in their phone which will signpost students to support. Students might not need the information today or next week, they may never need to access the support,  but having it to hand on their phone means they know where they can get help, for themselves, for a friend or family member should the need arise.

He added, “This will be followed by sharing a one minute YouTube clip which promotes the ‘Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing’ initiative run by the Health Trusts in Northern Ireland to encourage people to take 5 simple steps to improve their own mental health, wellbeing and enjoyment of life.

Finally, he said, “On World Mental Health Day, 10 October, 10am to 1pm, SERC’s Human Resources team and Students’ Union will be encouraging students and staff to come together to take part in in activities to enhance their self-care at the College’s Lisburn Campus. This will include Thai Chi demonstrations, free fresh fruit and snacks, and information on self-care activities including mindfulness. Our dedicated Youth Health Advice Nurse who works across our four main campuses one day per week, will be on hand to answer questions and promote the service so that students know where they can access help on campus.”

SERC students and staff have 24-hour access to the Inspire Wellbeing helpline and can avail of face-to-face counselling in the College’s main campuses in Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn and Newtownards. In addition, the College has nine dedicated Mental Health First Aiders and recently opened their first quiet room in the Lisburn Campus for relaxation, prayer and reflection.