World Mental Health Day is on the 10th of October every year, so we have events coming up to help spread awareness of this important cause. This year's theme for World Mental Health Day is suicide prevention - something we can all contribute to by talking to each other and listening when someone comes to us for support. It's important to talk to people when we feel like things are getting too much, whether this is a family member, friend, or medical professional.

Tea & Talk

We will be running 'Tea and Talk' events at Sighthill and Granton campuses on the 10th of October, where you can have a chat with other people about how you're doing over some free tea and cake provided by us. We'll also be there to provide advice on how you can take care of your mental wellbeing and support others.

  • Sighthill: 12pm - 2pm, outside the canteen.
  • Granton: 12pm - 2pm, in the main Hub.

Travel and your wellbeing

How you travel to college can make a big impact on your mental wellbeing - whether that's travelling with friends to reduce isolation, or getting some physical exercise to help boost your mood. This is why ECSA is encouraging you to make a small change to your travel on World Mental Health Day. We're giving away goodie bags to students who take part. Changes to your travel could include:

  • Walking and Cycling: Physical exercise is proven to improve mental health, help manage stress, and lead to better sleep. Even if you can't walk or cycle the whole way, why not try getting off the bus a couple of stops early and taking 15 minutes to walk the rest of the way and clear your mind? You could also go for a lunchtime stroll.
  • Public Transport: Take the train or the bus instead of driving - it might take a little longer, but you can relax with a book or music, rather than having to focus on the road or getting frustrated by traffic.
  • Share a lift: Some poeple have to drive - so why not share the ride with a friend? Use the time to check in with them and ask how they are doing, or share any difficulties you're having. You can eaisly find someone to share a lift with using the college's Liftsharing website.

If you let us know about how you travelled to college on WMHD, you can get a free goodie bag from us. You can sign up at our lunchtime stalls at Milton Road and Sighthill on Monday 7th, or at Granton and Midlothian on Tuesday 8th. You can also come and see us at our 'Tea & Talk' stalls on Thursday at Granton and Sighthill.

Mental Health Services

We know that studying at college can be difficult and overwhelming, and self-care isn't always enough. That's why on World Mental Health Day we will be gathering feedback on people's experiences of the mental health services available to students, and launching a petition calling for improvements.