Introducing the new mental health development lead and mental health project co-ordinator

Heather- Mae Cutts and Pippa Pogson, both aged 22, are the newest members of Regional Mental Health organisation, Student life.

Heather-Mae has joined the organisation as the Mental Health Development Lead which will be looking to oversee and develop new mental health projects to promote awareness and break the stigma surrounding mental health.

“I am beyond excited to be joining Student Life.” said Heather-Mae.  “I knew this was an opportunity I could not miss out on. I love how creative and passionate the work is surrounding young people’s mental health. I think it’s so important now more than ever to look to support young people and give them that awareness and voice to speak up about the issues they face.” continued Heather-Mae.

“I have my own experience of mental ill health from the age of around 15. So, I can empathise with what young people have to go through these days and it isn’t easy in the slightest; especially with the pandemic.” said Heather-Mae. “The projects we have lined up and on-going however are definitely something I would have loved to have been involved with when I was younger but I am just glad that the work Student Life do is now being made available to young people.”

Having volunteered at Student Life for 6 months, Pippa Pogson has been appointed as Mental Health Project Co-ordinator. She will be taking the lead on the bespoke mental health training that will be delivered as part of the RSHE curriculum.

‘I came across Student Life nearly 2 years ago, when I first moved to Suffolk’ said Pippa. ‘Since then I have made sure to follow what Student Life do, as I felt it was an organisation I could not forget. 6 months ago, I started working on the RSHE course on a voluntary basis. I have been able to use my academic knowledge, as well as my own experiences with mental ill health, coping and help seeking to shape the project. I am delighted to have had so much input from young people on the creation of the course so far.’ She continued ‘I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity. I feel the RSHE project will be invaluable to our audience. I really wish that something like this was available to me when I was studying.’

To find out more information please visit www.studentlife.org.uk