Hello, my name is Ollie Ingram and I find that mental health can be heavily misunderstood, particularly in schools/universities.

Even now, at university, I feel that students don’t want to talk to anyone in a position of power because we still see lecturers, wellbeing staff and even our own parents as people who will not understand or might even be judgemental when that’s not the case.

As the Mental Health Officer, I would like to offer students an environment built by a student, for the students. I am by no means an expert, I’ve only just started researching the topic in various areas, but I’ve spoken and even befriended people whose mental health hurts them on a nearly daily basis.

I don't think a wellbeing office is enough.

What do I suggest?

I want to set up a safe space aimed specifically at those who struggle with mental health where the students can talk to other students over a cup of tea, coffee or a soft drink.

If students got the opportunity to speak to fellow students, I feel that they would feel more comfortable.

I would ideally want to make this free - you should not have to pay for your struggle but I would need access to Student Wellbeing so we could discuss idea and/or alternatives.

In addition to this, I want to create a campaign that explains what various mental health struggles are really like with a focus on signs, how to help, where to go, what they can do to help themselves.

This would be honest and to the point, as I believe the world of TV and film often spreads misinformation for the sake of dramatisation and, while I study and aim to be a part of that world, I don't want to join it to just lie to my audience.

Finally, I’m quite casual in conversation; often making jokes to lighten the mood (although I would never joke about their struggles) that will often get a laugh due to how bad they – I find comedy to be the best reaction to tragedy if used correctly.

Above everything though, I would consider myself a confident leader whose more than willing to defend an idea, myself or someone else when the time arises – This is a topic I truly care for and I hope you can see that.

Kind Regards,

Ollie Ingram