It's Time to Talk about students' mental health

Staff and students across Truro and Penwith College took every opportunity to start a conversation about mental health.

The Penwith campus featured wellbeing in each subject area on the day, in one way or another, even down to providing nutritious feel-good smoothies in the College’s Senara Restaurant.

The Student Services team took ownership of the event and decorated their space, inviting students in for open conversations over a hot drink and a biscuit.

Penwith College’s Mental Health Advisor Abi Cowls said: “It’s important for students to have a safe space to come to at College where they feel comfortable to open up about how they might be feeling, or if they are worried about someone else. We are here for them to do this, and to listen, not just on Time to Talk Day, but every day.

“It was fantastic to see some new faces because of the event; It was a great atmosphere.”

A charity car wash took place in the Automotive department on site, where students raised over £50 for mental health charity MIND.

Emphasising the benefits of spending time outdoors and interacting with nature was the key message from Health and Social Care Lecturer Katie Maggs who talked to her students about her passion for marine life and exploration.

Penwith’s Sport Diploma students visited the walled garden, an ideal space on the campus, for staff and students to take some time out and enjoy being outdoors.

Other activities took place across the College with Games Design students tasked to create the premise of a self-care game, Film Studies students analysing a topical short film and Childcare and Education students getting stuck into glitter jar activities!

Barney, the College’s therapy dog was worn out by the end of the day!

The Truro campus ran their weekly ‘Walk and Talk’ session on the day, as part of the College’s multi-award-winning Health, Wellbeing and Sport programme that encourages staff and students to get involved and support their health and wellbeing.

Penwith College’s Director of Operations Lucy Maggs said: “Good mental health is important for all of us. Time to Talk Day gives us the opportunity to focus on services that we offer every day and to remind staff and students that we are all here to listen, non-judgementally, whether they want to talk about themselves or someone they are concerned about.”