Sabhal Mòr Ostaig pledges its support to mental health campaign

Representatives of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig were in Inverness on Friday (9th March) to pledge their support to the’˜see me’ campaign. Sabhal Mòr was one of several organisations which signed the’˜see me’ pledge to make a public commitment to help tackle the stigma of, and discrimination against, mental ill-health.

By signing the pledge and the committing to the associated action plan, the Gaelic college will work to remove the stigma of mental ill-health and raise awareness of issues surrounding it. The pledge and plan will be aimed at staff, students and the wider public and form part of the national campaign which was launched in 2002.

Through the pledge and campaign, it is also hoped that by addressing issues such as stigma and discrimination that people with mental health problems will be more likely to seek help and support. Sabhal Mòr Ostaig will as a college and public body promote the campaign and distribute relevant associated information.

Representatives from a number of organisations gathered at the home of Inverness Caledonian Thistle football club in the Highland capital to sign up on Friday. They included Highland Council, NHS Highland, UHI Executive Office, Inverness College, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Northern Constabulary and West Highland College, and representing Sabhal Mòr were Sheila Hamilton, Head of Student Support Services, and Nicola Thomson, Head of Corporate Affairs.

Sheila Hamilton said:’We are delighted that Sabhal Mòr Ostaig has had the opportunity to work on this important campaign with’see me’ tackling the stigma of mental health problems. We aim to create an environment in which all students and staff feel welcomed and supported, irrespective of mental health difficulties.’