Университет Глазго стал первым в Шотландии, получившим национальную награду за поддержку ментального здоровья

A university has become the first in Scotland to receive a major national award for its work supporting mental health. Glasgow Caledonian University has been awarded Merit Status by mental health charity Student Minds through its University Mental Health Charter Award programme, making it only the second institution in the UK to achieve this level of recognition. The award honours the university's commitment to promoting the mental health and wellbeing of both students and staff. Read more Glasgow and west of Scotland students honoured with major accountancy award Up to 100 jobs at risk as Glasgow Caledonian University strike looms Rare football shirts signed by Sir Alex Ferguson to be auctioned in Glasgow Professor Mairi Watson, principal and vice-chancellor, said: "I am delighted that Glasgow Caledonian University has been recognised for its sector-leading approach to mental health and wellbeing with this award. "The charter programme has helped us significantly enhance our support for students and staff, and we look forward to further building on our important partnership with Student Minds." Avril Williams, director of student life and University Mental Health Charter lead at Glasgow Caledonian, echoed Professor Watson's sentiments. She said: "We are thrilled to have achieved a Merit in the University Mental Health Charter Award. "It recognises the dedication of colleagues across GCU to embedding a whole-university approach to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our students and staff." Williams also highlighted the university’s ongoing work to improve mental health support and reduce stigma. She explained: "Engaging with the Charter programme has enabled us to strengthen a wide range of initiatives across the university. "This includes expanding support resources, further developing a culture that empowers help-seeking and reduces the stigma surrounding mental health, and reviewing our practices and policies as an institution. "Having received valuable recommendations from Student Minds this summer, we are excited to build on this progress and see what engagement with future cycles of the Charter programme will bring to GCU." Read more New Glasgow academy launches to tackle Scotland's engineering skills gap Most Glasgow teachers now supporting pupils with additional needs, committee hears New training shed to help North Lanarkshire pupils build construction careers Rosie Tressler, chief executive of Student Minds, praised the university’s achievement. She said: "We are delighted to be celebrating that GCU is one of the first institutions to have achieved a Charter Award with Merit. "Thank you for your dedication. "The attainment of the Merit status reflects the unwavering commitment, hard work and effort invested by your staff and students. "You've reached an extraordinary milestone, and it's a testament to your collective effort and dedication. "We are proud of everything you have achieved and the work you will continue to do to create change and improve the mental health and wellbeing of your students and staff communities. "We look forward to continuing this important journey with you and working together in the coming year."