Published:
A group of fifteen Heriot-Watt staff, students and supporters is planning to walk up Ben Nevis in support of the University’s Black dog campaign, which raises awareness and combats stigma surrounding mental illness, as well as providing care and support for those suffering mental health problems and initiating research into the causes and treatment of mental illnesses.
So many people have taken part in an event, donated time, baking and prizes as well as donating specifically to our Ben Nevis Walk
The University signed up to the Black Dog campaign in October last year, and the initial fundraising events, including the Ben Nevis event, are aimed at raising the funds to purchase a Black Dog statue to mark World Mental Health Day in October 2015 under this year’s theme ‘Dignity in Mental Health’.
Growing campaign
Organiser Sharan Virdee, Heriot-Watt’s Equality and Diversity Adviser, said, “It’s a challenge for all of us taking part and a real exercise in team work, coming together to raise awareness as well as funds. You can follow us on twitter @HWUBlackDog to keep up to speed and you can donate to the Black Dog JustGiving page.
“We are enormously grateful for the generosity everyone has shown so far. So many people have taken part in an event, donated time, baking and prizes as well as donating specifically to our Ben Nevis Walk. So thank you all for the support you’ve shown so far and for continuing to support us.”
For more information you can follow the University’s Black Dog Campaign website, or contact Sharan Virdee at s.virdee@hw.ac.uk