MENTAL Health Week proved the spur for a photography competition at Solihull College & University Centre.
It was all part of a drive organised by the college which collaborated with external mental health agencies to arrange bespoke workshops for students to mark the week.
Students and staff were able to access 11 free workshops/presentations from highly experienced professionals in the field of mental health.
Alongside the workshops, the student enrichment team organised the competition, encouraging students to get out into the green spaces in their local area – reflecting the themes of this year’s week which were Nature and the environment.
In all there were 75 entries with the competition won by local student Hattie Pearce with her image of a bee.
Runners up included students Rachael Heywood, Connor McGuinness-Dean and Rebekah Cawley.
“I didn’t expect to win,” said Hattie.
“I shot my picture of a bee whilst I was out in Stratford.
“After hearing about the Mental Health Awareness Week I thought it would be good to get involved in the competition and raise awareness myself.”
Fathima Ashraff-Ali, mental health lead at the college added: “It was a hugely successful week in raising awareness and reducing stigma around student mental health.
“We are very fortunate to have developed strong relationships with specialists in the field of mental health in our region who are keen to continue to support our staff and students.”
