James Watt College takes action to tackle stigma
On 8th February, 2011, James Watt College - which has campuses in Greenock and Kilwinning - became the latest organisation in Scotland to formally pledge its commitment to work with 'see me' in order to eliminate the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental ill-health.
Assistant Principal of James Watt College, Margaret Tierney publicly signed the pledge at the Waterfront campus on behalf of the four College campuses, demonstrating the College's long-term commitment to tackling the stigma experienced by people with mental ill-health.
Suzie Vestri, 'see me' Campaign Director says: "We welcome the contribution that James Watt College is making to provide a mentally healthy workplace and study environment for its staff and students. We hope the support pledged will encourage other places of learning to take positive action by joining us in signing the pledge."
"Mental ill-health will affect everyone at some stage in their life and the vast majority of those who have experienced stigma say that the discrimination they experienced was worse than living with the condition itself. Everyone has a part to play in tackling mental ill-health stigma and discrimination and the backing of organisations such as James Watt College can really make a difference. "
Sue Pinder, Principal of James Watt College says: "James Watt College is dedicated to working with 'see me' to challenge the stigma and discrimination to mental ill-health. By signing up to the pledge, we are making a public commitment to involve our learners and staff in a number of initiatives designed to change the way that the people think and behave towards those with mental health problems. Various initiatives will take place at the college in the coming months to support this, including a mental health awareness week, training for staff and students, the formation of a TASK group, an internal marketing campaign, drama & music events and guest speakers."