RIVERSIDE College hosted the World Health Innovation Summit (WHIS) Education Day to raise awareness of mental health issues.

The college in Widnes welcomed guest speakers Gareth Presch, founder of the summit, and clinical psychologist Dr Adam Bradford to talk about the work that is done by the organisation and discuss topics including post-traumatic stress disorder.

The WHIS operates throughout the world, providing a platform for healthcare providers to share knowledge and ideas to improve health care locally.

Mr Bradford, who flew in from America to talk at the college, spoke about the impact of childhood trauma throughout a lifespan. His discussion focused on functions within the brain, the trauma stress response cycle and the biological causes of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Mr Presch delivered a talk to the audience about why he started the organisation and the positive impact it has.

He also discussed his new role with the United Nations Global Sustainable Index Institute.

Rosie Byrom, counselling lecturer at Riverside College, said: “The event was a great success and very well received by our students and members of the community who were invited.

“We feel very privileged that Gareth Presch and Dr Bradford were able to come to speak to our students.

“Dr Bradford’s presentation in particular will be of great benefit to our counselling students who may find themselves working with clients experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder.

“We look forward to hosting more WHIS events again in the future.”

Students at the college were delighted to get the chance to listen to the presentations, with one pupil describing Mr Bradford’s talk as ‘invaluable’ while another hailed Mr Presch’s speech as ‘informative’.

The WHIS was set up in 2015 by Mr Presch who believed people in the community would be better supported if they had more access to holistic solutions, in their locality.