College News

Mental Health and Wellbeing Charter

Boston College makes Commitment to Support Students and Staff with their Mental Health and Wellbeing

Boston College makes Commitment to Support Students and Staff with their Mental Health and Wellbeing

This Mental Health Awareness Week, Boston 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 Boston College plays a vital role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of its students and staff.

Jo Maher, Boston College Principal said, “Boston College fully supports AoC’s Mental Health Charter and is committed to promoting positive student and staff mental health.  This year we having been working on a pilot project with the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust, which has demonstrated the impact that institutional buy in and an ethos of reflective practice can have. We hope that this Charter supports institutions to challenge the stigma of mental ill health and removes barriers to individuals feeling able to access support.”

Richard Caulfield, Mental Health lead at the Association of Colleges, said, “Every single day colleges like Boston 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. Mental Health Awareness Week is an opportunity to celebrate the brilliant things that go on and our charter gives colleges the chance to publicly state their commitment to the mental health agenda.”

This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week coincides with the #LoveOurColleges campaign’s ‘week of activity’, which sees colleges across the country hosting events to showcase the brilliant stuff they do, day in and day out.

Words provided by AoC

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