News and Events

BU pledges to end mental health discrimination

18 October 2011

Vice-Chancellor Professor John Vinney joining Sue Forber of Time to Change in signing the Time to Change Organisational Pledge on behalf of Bournemouth University

BU signs pledge designed to tackle mental health discrimination.

Bournemouth University has underlined its commitment to tackling mental health discrimination by formally signing the Time to Change Organisational Pledge. Time to Change is the UK’s leading mental health campaign which is run by the charities Mind and Rethink.

University Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Vinney, joined Sue Forber from Time to Change to sign the pledge. They were joined by representatives from the Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust and BU’s Dignity, Diversity and Equality Steering Group.

BU now joins a wide range of orgnaisations – from NHS trusts to Premier League football clubs – in campaigning to change behaviour where mental health is concerned. It is estimated that one in four people will experience mental health problems during their lives.

Speaking at the signing, Professor Vinney said: “It’s very important that we continue to work together to get this message across loud and clear, and a strong focus on equality and diversity is at the heart of University’s new vision.”

The signing was one of a number of events held at BU to mark World Mental Health Day which also include the production of a short video to promote BU and community services that provide support for people concerned about mental health issues. These services include counselling, the University Chaplaincy and wellbeing support that are open to all students and staff.

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