Students at New College Durham celebrated World Mental Health Day on Wednesday 10th October by organising a series of free interactive activities.

The event focused on how exercise and food can help lift your mood. There was salsa dancing and karate demonstrations, catering students were offering ‘mood foods’ with fruit kebabs and brain food with a fish buffet, and hair and beauty students were offering Indian Head Massages and hand massages for stress relief.

Julie Seaton, Youth Development Officer at New College Durham, said: “It was the students’ idea to organise this event to help raise awareness and avoid the stigma of mental health. I and Mental Health Co-ordinator, Bev Baldasera, are also ensuring that staff and students know how to access help and support for mental health issues”.

The day was also marked with a presentation of two awards from County Durham Primary Care Trust. John Widdowson, College Principal, accepted a Bronze level award for Working for Health, on behalf of the College. This award aims to encourage and reward employers who promote a healthy workforce and workplace. The Heartbeat Award was received by Ian Walton, Director of Finance and Corporate Services, on behalf of Shaun Warren, Catering Manager. This Award is presented to caterers who meet the highest food hygiene standards and offer healthy eating choices.