Almost £1 million is being invested in additional mental health support services for colleges in Glasgow over the next year.
The funding will support students and staff across the Glasgow college region in coping with the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021/22.
The move is part of a £4.4 million Scottish Government package to develop mental health and resilience packages to fit colleges' current requirements, such as developing the roles of mental health co-ordinators, support for staff and student-led services, as announced by the Scottish Funding Council.
Glasgow Colleges' Regional Board Executive Director Martin Boyle said:
"It is vital that we prioritise mental health and wellbeing support for our students and staff during this challenging time and promote positive attitudes in seeking help.
"The Glasgow college region has a range of partnership services in place, from counselling sessions to free 24/7 online support service for staff and students provided by trained mental health professionals. This additional £977,000 investment will be allocated across Glasgow's three colleges to enhance the support available."
The Glasgow college region delivers education to around 58,000 learners every year, with 2,400 staff working from multiple campuses across City of Glasgow College, Glasgow Clyde College and Glasgow Kelvin College.
Paul Little, Principal and CEO of City of Glasgow College, said:
“I really welcome this significant additional investment from the Scottish Government for this crucial issue. Our staff and students have faced substantial challenges throughout this horrible pandemic, so it is extremely important that we can now further bolster mental health and wellbeing support.”
Jon Vincent, Principal and Chief Executive at Glasgow Clyde College said:
“This is a substantial funding package which demonstrates the importance of the mental health and wellbeing of our students and staff. It will enable us to extend the vital mental health support services which we offer, helping more people during what for some, has been a really challenging period. I’d like to thank the Scottish Government and the Scottish Funding Council for their continued commitment to this critical issue.”
Glasgow Kelvin College Principal, Derek Smeall, said:
"Glasgow Kelvin College welcomes the additional funding for Mental Health support services across the sector. The full impact of the pandemic on everyone's mental health and wellbeing is not yet fully known, however we are very conscious of an increase in demand on our existing services. These monies will help us to underpin and develop the resources we will require to support those in most need."
Higher and Further Education Minister Jamie Hepburn said:
“We know that the move to blended learning and significant reduction in face to face learning over the last year has been especially challenging for our college students.
“Our funding of almost £1 million for the Glasgow College Region, part of our wider investment in colleges across Scotland, builds on significant Scottish Government investment already made in this area and will enable our institutions to develop mental health and resilience packages that are most appropriate to the needs of their communities. This includes the development of Mental Health Co-ordinators, Nightline and support for staff.”
The Glasgow college region will continue to provide students and staff with free access to award-winning digital mental health and wellbeing service Togetherall, which offers safe online 24/7 support.
Glasgow Colleges' Regional Board is responsible for planning and funding for the region and produced a Mental Health Matters magazine to highlight the support available to Glasgow college staff and students.