Hugh Baird College makes commitment to support students and staff with their mental health and wellbeing

HUGH Baird College has reaffirmed its commitment to staff and students by signing up to a national mental health and wellbeing charter; created by the Association of Colleges (AoC) in conjunction with mental health experts.

The 11 point document includes commitments to:-

►  Promoting equality of opportunity and challenging mental health stigma.

►  Providing appropriate mental health training for staff.

►  Providing targeted individual mental health support where appropriate.

Colleges across England teach and train 2.2 million people each year, including:- 685,000 young people. Every year, 1 in 10 young people experience a mental health problem and 1 in 5 young people aged 16 to 24 experience a common mental illness such as anxiety or depression at any one time. Add to these facts, 75% of adults with a diagnosable mental health problem experience their 1st symptoms before the age of 24 means Hugh Baird College plays a vital role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of its students and staff.

Rachael Hennigan, Principal at Hugh Baird College, said:- "The mental wellbeing of our students and staff is an absolute priority for Hugh Baird College. Every learner and staff member deserves to work, study and train in an environment that supports them to be healthy, happy and secure. That is why we are proud to join the AoC Mental Health and Wellbeing Charter. Whilst the College has comprehensive and effective support systems in place for those experiencing mental wellbeing challenges, we are always keen to do more. This charter provides a clear direction of travel for the College as we continue to work together to support the health and wellbeing of our students and staff."

Richard Caulfield, Mental Health Lead at the Association of Colleges, said:- "Every single day Colleges like Hugh Baird College provide a world class education and transform the lives of millions of people. This includes providing support for both staff and student wellbeing at the right time, in the right place. This charter gives Colleges the chance to publicly state their commitment to the mental health agenda."
 

Time to get ready for Self Assessment

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding Self Assessment customers to check that they have the correct information in order to complete their Tax Return. The deadline for 2020/21 Tax Returns is 31 October 2021 for those completed on paper forms and 31 January 2022 for Online Returns. While the end of January is more than 3 months away, HMRC has already seen thousands of people filing their returns; more than 63,500 customers filed their Tax Return on 6 April 2021, the 1st day of the tax year. Customers can file before the January deadline, but still have until 31 January to pay. Any customer who is new to Self Assessment must register via GOV.UK to receive their Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR). Self employed individuals must also register for Class 2 National Insurance.  HMRC is encouraging customers to register early so that they can access guidance and be aware of what they need to do. This includes record keeping, knowing when the filing and payment deadlines are, and the potential for a 1st tax payment to include a payment on account. This year, customers will also have to declare if they received any grants or payments from Covid19 support schemes up to 5 April 2021 as these are taxable, including:-

► Self Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS)

► Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS)

Other Covid19 grants and support payments such as:- self isolation payments, Local Authority grants and those for the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. HMRC recognises that some customers may be worrying about paying their tax bill. Customers can access support to help pay any tax owed, and may be able to set up their own affordable monthly payment plan online by using HMRC's self serve Time to Pay facility. Customers should contact HMRC for help if they have concerns about paying their bill.

HMRC's Myrtle Lloyd, Director General for Customer Services, said:- "We want to help people get their Tax Returns right by making sure they are prepared and have everything they need before they start their Self Assessment. If anyone is worried about paying their tax bill, support is available; search 'time to pay' on GOV.UK."

The fastest way to complete a Tax Return is online via a customer's Personal Tax Account. They will need their UTR to access their Tax Return, as well as details of their income or earnings and other financial records. Detailed information on what documents are needed for Self Assessment are on GOV.UK. HMRC urges everyone to be alert if they are contacted out of the blue by someone asking for money or personal information. HMRC sees high numbers of fraudsters emailing, calling or texting people claiming to be from the department. If in doubt, HMRC advises not to reply directly to anything suspicious, but to contact them straight away and to search GOV.UK for:- 'HMRC scams.'