College screening sparks mental health discussions

More than 60 partners from education, health and community sectors attended the event at the College’s Kilmarnock Campus on Thursday, May 14 which showed the film The Low Road.

The screening was designed to spark discussion around trauma, grief, recovery and the importance of creating supportive environments for young people across Ayrshire.

Attendees took part in discussions following the screening focused on how the college is embedding trauma-informed and inclusive approaches throughout its student support services and learning environments.

The event formed part of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme of “Action”.

Recent National Records of Scotland figures recorded 704 probable suicide deaths across Scotland in 2024, reinforcing concerns around mental health and suicide prevention, particularly in more deprived communities.

Wendy McColl, Head of Student Experience at Ayrshire College, believes these types of conversations with partners are  “challenging but essential”.

She said: “By hosting this screening, we wanted to take meaningful action to support wellbeing, encourage open discussion and strengthen partnership working around mental health and suicide prevention.

“We are committed to ensuring our College is a place where wellbeing, inclusion and compassion are at the heart of everything that we do, and where students feel safe to seek support.”

The Low Road, directed by Stephen Mulhearn, follows a young woman dealing with the loss of a friend to suicide while confronting her own trauma and learning to speak openly about her experiences.

East and South Ayrshire Suicide Prevention Leads also attended the session to provide guidance and support throughout the event.