Green Gown Awards 2019 - Ayrshire College - Winner

Mental Health United is an ongoing physical activity initiative that has been developed to improve the mental health and wellbeing of the students, staff and wider community within Ayrshire. 

In East Ayrshire alone suicide levels have double in the last 12 months. In the town of Cumnock, with a population of 12,000, 8 young people took their own lives in a 6-month period. Many of these young people are students of or have connections with Ayrshire College via family and friends.  

Using sport and physical activity as a ‘hook’ to engage with the community to highlight the issue and encourage those who might be emotional vulnerable, to seek the help that is available to them.   

This was done in partnership with the Kris Boyd Charity. Kris is a former Scottish international football and captain of Kilmarnock Football Club. Kris started this charity after the tragic death of his young brother. 

Top 3 learnings:

1. #PassingPositivity. 
2. It’s okay not to be okay.  
3. Teamwork makes the dream work.