Guild officers to be offered mental health first aid training
A group of University Guild officers and sports club leaders will be offered mental health first aid training, thanks to the generosity of a Birmingham alumnus.
The programme, launched this World Mental Health Day, will see 16 full- and part-time officers and sport society leaders offered training through mental health charity, the Niall Stringer Foundation, set up to raise awareness about the importance of mental health through sports clubs and, more recently, universities across the UK.
The training has been gifted by Rob Jupp a Birmingham alumnus and trustee of the Niall Stringer Foundation.
We hope our contribution will help create an even stronger, more supportive university community where people feel able to speak up, ask for help and get the support they need.’
Rob, who is also CEO of the financial services organisation, Brightstar Group, said: ‘I’m delighted to support today’s students, staff and academics by providing this mental health first aid training.
‘When I studied at Birmingham 35 years ago, there was next to no support for anyone struggling with their mental health. That has changed enormously in recent years, with Birmingham’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Team offering round the clock support. Poor mental health can affect any one of us. We hope our contribution will help create an even stronger, more supportive university community where people feel able to speak up, ask for help and get the support they need.’
Sumpa Abbey, Welfare and Community Officer at the Guild, said: 'I know how vital mental health support is while at University. Mental Health First Aid training is a crucial step to creating a community of active bystanders. It equips people on campus with the skills to recognise when someone may be struggling, know how to respond with compassion, and point them to the right support. This training will be invaluable to students, staff, society leaders and campus more generally.
'While the University offers excellent support through services such as TalkingSpace@UOB, UBHeard’s 24/7 crisis helpline and its Therapeutic Service, Mental Health First Aid training adds another vital layer of support. It helps break down stigma, encourages early intervention and ensures that more people across our campus community feel confident supporting one another and signposting those in need to professional help."
All students can access the University’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Service at any time, which includes a confidential 24/7 freephone service, UBHeard, as well as Talking Space Mental Health Drop-In sessions and Wellbeing Officers in each school.