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Furness College hosts first Mental Health Festival with Inspira

Students from Furness College took time out of the classroom to improve their own wellbeing skills at the college’s first Mental Health and Wellbeing Festival in partnership with Inspira.

The students spent time talking to a range of more than 20 charity, advice, sport and support organisations picking up skills to use throughout their life.

It marked the completion of their Level 1 qualification in Mental Health, which they have been studying at the Channelside campus this term alongside their main subjects.

Student Services Manager Sarah Carter, who worked with Inspira’s Local Employment and Engagement Officer Lauren Jackson to organise the event, said it had been well-attended.

“It’s a good time for the students to reflect on what they have been learning and celebrate the new set of skills they will have achieved through the qualification,” she said.

“We’re really grateful to Inspira for their support and would like to thank each of the organisations who supported this event. We hope the one at Rating Lane next month is equally as successful.”

Lauren, of Inspira, said it had been a ‘fulfilling and impactful event’ delivered together with college and the Students’ Union.

“I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who attended the festival and offered the young people of Furness College some much-needed advice and guidance on their mental health and well-being.”

Among those taking part were CancerCare, which created a Caring Tree for attendees.

“Students had the opportunity to place fingerprint leaves as a symbol of how emotional support leads to growth,” said Mai Harrison, from CancerCare. “We have given the college the tree as reminder of all the wonderful groups and students who came to the event.”

Barrow Community Sports Trust also attended with a popular spider ball activity in The Street.

Craig Rutherford, from the Trust, said it was a great opportunity to promote their volunteering pathways alongside reinforcing the value of sport to mental health.

“Volunteering can promote young people’s health and wellbeing by making them feel a part of something, giving them a sense of pride, something to focus on and also enabling them to give back to their local community.”

Amy Armstrong and Gemma Ducie, from Barnardo’s – Project John, said the event had also enabled them to network and find ways they can work together with other organisations.

“We have spoken to students and provided support strategies for looking after themselves, and getting the message out to not only look after themselves physically but mentally,” said Amy.

There will be a sister event for sixth form students at Barrow Sixth Form on Tuesday 6th December from 12pm-2pm.


Channelside
Barrow-In-Furness
Cumbria
LA14 2PJ
Rating Lane
Barrow-In-Furness
Cumbria
LA13 9LE
Contact Us Tel: 01229 825 017 (Channelside Campus)
Tel: 01229 828 377 (Barrow Sixth Form College)
Email: info@furness.ac.uk
Business Support Tel: 01229 844 836
Email: businesssupport@furness.ac.uk
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