EDUCATION chiefs have renewed their support for the mental health of staff and students.

East Durham College signed up to a new national mental health and wellbeing charter created by the Association of Colleges in conjunction with mental health experts.

The 11-point document includes commitments to promote equality of opportunity and challenging mental health stigma, provide appropriate mental health training for staff and provide targeted individual mental health support where appropriate.

Principal Suzanne Duncan said: “We’re committed to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our students, and that’s why we’re also committed to encouraging our students to talk about their mental health and to feel like they can approach staff with any concerns they may have, at any time.

“We already have fantastic mental health support at the college and we plan to develop it even further with the support of the Association of Colleges Mental Health Charter.”

Richard Caulfield, mental health lead at the Association of Colleges, said: “Every single day colleges like East Durham College provide a world class education and transform the lives of millions of people.

“This includes providing support for both staff and student wellbeing at the right time, in the right place.”