As part of John Wheatley College's commitment to help eliminate stigma and discrimination associated with mental ill-health in Scotland, Andy Woolley, Chair of the College's Board of Management, signed the ‘see me' pledge before an audience of students, staff and stakeholders at the East End Campus.
The College signed the ‘see me' pledge as an undertaking of positive action against the stigma and discrimination of those encountering mental ill-health, either in their own lives or the lives of those around them.
The ‘see me' pledge-signing ceremony launched the College's Week of Diversity, a week-long programme of stimulating and fun events which celebrate the diversity and variety of cultures, religions, races and abilities of the College's students and staff.
‘see me' - Scotland's national mental health anti-stigma campaign - believes that forming such partnerships is a crucial way to eliminate stigma, both in the workplace and beyond.
John Wheatley College is based in the East of Glasgow which experiences much higher rates of mental ill-health than the Scottish average, with 22% more psychiatric hospital admissions, 46% more medical prescriptions for anxiety and depression and 41% more suicides, particularly among men.
Suzie Vestri, ‘see me' campaign director says: "One in four Scots will experience a mental health problem at some stage in their life. The vast majority of those who have experienced stigma say it was worse than living with the condition itself.
"John Wheatley College is the 183rd organisation to come on board and we welcome their commitment to providing a mentally healthy environment for their employees and learners.
"We all have a part to play in ridding our country of stigma and the backing of organisations and employers can really help make this happen. We hope the support that the College has promised will encourage others to take positive action by joining us in signing the pledge."
Andy Woolley, Chair of John Wheatley College's Board of Management added, "By signing this pledge, the College is expressing its commitment to a range of actions which, by supporting the aims of ‘see me' will challenge stigma surrounding mental ill-health for its learners, staff and the community.
"In our Week of Diversity we are celebrating the variety of cultures, religions, beliefs, abilities and lifestyles of the whole College community and taking a stand against discrimination in all its forms. We are delighted to be involved with the work of ‘see me' and are committed to ensuring an inclusive and stigma-free environment where people will feel supported in their efforts to learn and work."