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Supporting students for World Mental Health Day
The
Health Promotion Agency and NUS-USI are using this year’s
World Mental Health Day to raise awareness of the tough
time students face during the transition period between
school and further education by producing 20,000 copies
of Mind your head, a booklet specially designed to support
first year students.
Mind
your head: tools for healthy minds in healthy bodies is sponsored by the Investing for Healthier Communities grant
programme and has been produced to help support young people
during the time they spend in further education. Last year
this valuable resource was distributed to first year students
attending the two universities in Northern Ireland and this
latest edition has been amended to include information for
students at colleges or Institutes of Further and Higher
Education also.
Dr Brian
Gaffney, Chief Executive of the Health Promotion Agency,
said: “Research
shows there is a real need to support these young people
and Mind your head is full
of practical tips and information on mental and emotional
wellbeing. This project targets first year university students
primarily because the transition from school to university
life can be very stressful, between dealing with unfamiliar
surroundings and adapting to a more independent and irregular
lifestyle.
“Students
need to be aware that stress is normal and can be managed.
We hope that this resource will show students
that they can actively do something positive to protect and
promote their own mental wellbeing.”
Mind
your head includes information about relaxation techniques,
exercise, nutrition, studying as well as many useful contact
numbers. There is also an accompanying booklet for parents,
practitioners, student advisers and tutors with advice on how
they can promote mental and emotional wellbeing on campus.
Ben
Archibald, NUS-USI Convenor, said: “The record
number of students now seeking help with mental health problems
has highlighted the need for students’ unions, colleges
and other agencies to share best practice in tackling this
growing problem. The production of these publications will
greatly help students and their advisers on campus to promote
better mental wellbeing.”
Copies of the booklet will be distributed to all first year
students in higher education across Northern Ireland this
week. This innovative project aims to have a positive effect
on the mental health of students under pressure.
END
Notes
to editors:
- Dr Brian Gaffney will be available for interview on Monday
6 October at the Health Promotion Agency, 18 Ormeau Avenue,
Belfast after 2:00pm.
- World Mental Health Day takes place annually on 10 October.
- NUS-USI is the umbrella body for students’ unions
in Northern Ireland and provides services to over 185,000
students.
For
further information:
Jenny
Dougan on 028 9031 1611 or Peter O Neill,
NUS-USI, on 028 9024 4641 / 07710 744787.
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As from 1 April 2009 all Health Promotion Agency responsibilities have been transferred to the