AS part of Mental Health Awareness Week, Barnsley students took part in talks with mental health advocates to help people connect.

Barnsley College students were joined by an array of guest speakers including author and former triathlon athlete, Steve Judge, who kick-started the week by delivering his session about resilience and emotion.

Steve shared his personal story through battling with a serious injury following a road accident and stressed the importance of sharing emotions with others.

Other speakers included James Crystal, a motivational speaker, Ben Cross, for Creative Minds, and poet, Lewis Buxton.

Lee Perks, cultural capital and personal development co-ordinator at Barnsley College, said: “It was amazing to see so many of our students getting involved in our digital event across Mental Health Awareness Week.

“We are committed to being actively involved in the social and cultural development of our community, raising aspirations and driving social mobility.”

Carly Hambleton, health and social care tutor at the college, added: “I wanted to highlight to students that the image of mental health is not how it is often portrayed - that their class friends, teachers, and other students could be suffering.

“I wanted to convey to them that there is a smile to mental health and, if they ever felt as if they were struggling, they were not alone.

“I hope that, after seeing others coming forward and after working together, they know that they can open up and talk to any of us at Barnsley College about their troubles.”