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 Queen Alexandra College plays a vital role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of its 300 students and over 400 staff.

Richard Caulfield, Mental Health lead at the Association of Colleges, said: “Every single day colleges like Queen Alexandra 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.”

Bev Jessop (pictured), Queen Alexandra College Principal and Chief Executive reiterated the importance of supporting the mental health of staff and students: “Having and discussing mental health and wellbeing issues is sadly often seen as taboo, with too many people troubled about the stigma that is often associated with these frequently invisible conditions. At QAC, we want to work with staff proactively, promoting an open, honest and supportive culture and the AoC MH Charter is another way in which we can demonstrate our commitment to this”