HUNDREDS of students at Halesowen College stood together to highlight mental health awareness.

Students came out in support and filled the college’s new 1km long mental health trail which was officially launched by Martin Mueller, CEO of Dudley Mind.

The college has also made a special film about mental health with students Abigail Caplen, Megan Young and Katherine Gill sharing their individual experiences of mental health to mark the launch of the trail.

Katherine said: “The trail looks great with the mosaics and seating areas – it will be a great benefit to everyone.”

The college received £9,700 from the Big Lottery Fund to enhance its Trim Trail which includes a sensory garden, planting, benches, conservation, bug hotel, interactive areas and specially commissioned mosaic art installations by local artist Alison Turner.

Students Union also funded the sensory garden a picnic bench for people with disabilities and helped with a litter pick.

The area is available for students and staff to sit and take time out for their health and well-being.

Jo Williams, Interim Principal at Halesowen College said: “The idea for the mental health trim trail first came from staff and students and it is great to see it become a reality.

“Everyone at College came together to plant, tidy and help to install all the benches, bins and equipment. It will make a big difference to everyone and is something we can be very proud of.

Martin Mueller, CEO of Dudley Mind, added: “One of our aims is to improve people’s mental health and to get everyone to look after themselves more.

“This trail helps in many different ways and links to our five key areas at Mind – Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give.”