Bradford College

No Health Without Mental Health

Following the Health Minister for England, Paul Burstow’s recent announcement that he is determined to give "mental health parity with physical health in the NHS”, there has never been a better time to raise public awareness about mental health issues.

Bradford College’s Mental Health & Wellbeing Advisor, Vicki Gonzalez has been leading the way with her latest campaign to bring attention to mental illness.

Speaking about her latest initiative, Vicki said: “Bradford College’s Mental Health Week’ raises public awareness about mental health issues. The week promotes more open discussion of mental disorders, and investments in prevention and treatment services.”

Initiatives available during Mental Health Week included: free fruit and water for staff and students, counselling services, pampering Indian head massage and giant chess. Support and advice was also available from ‘PAPYRUS’ - a voluntary UK organisation committed to the prevention of young suicide and ‘Mind’ - the leading mental health charity for England and Wales.

Physical and mental health are intertwined, studies have shown that people who are depressed, lonely and isolated are 3 to 5 times more likely to die prematurely than those who feel connections in their life.

Mental stress and depression can have a profound effect on a variety of physical illnesses such as: Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Cancer, Respiratory Diseases and Obesity - with implications on recovery.

Backing the ‘Mental Health Week’ initiative, Healthy College Manager, Jane Marshall said: “Mental health awareness has to be prominent in the College, as mental health problems affect 1 in 4 people.  We need to highlight this and make it less of a taboo subject, as we’re all susceptible.”

Vicki concluded: “It’s important for people to realise that they aren’t alone and there are people in the same boat. There’s a lot of support not only in the College but also in Bradford and the West Yorkshire area to promote mental health and emotional wellbeing!”

• Take a look at the photo coverage from Mental Health Week