Mental health of students in higher education

Appendix 6Initiatives from counselling servicesManchester Metropolitan University: Personalityin EducationPersonality in Education was a day programme run in partnership withManchester Metropolitan University, University of Manchester andTherapeutic Community Services North. The programme was run over 16weeks. It was aimed at students who had a history of complex and enduringemotional, relationship and behavioural difficulties. Students also had ahistory of expressing difficult emotions through impulsive, aggressive or selfharmingbehaviours, including alcohol or illicit drug use as a way of dealingwith powerful emotions. Students were able to self-refer to the programme,which began with an intensive weekend session and continued with weeklysessions.The programme aimed to provide a safe environment in order thatparticipants could find healthier ways of dealing with distressing feelings. Allaspects of the programme – social therapy groups and formal therapy groups– provided a setting in which therapists and students worked alongside eachother to explore various aspects of a student’s experience. Through exploringand understanding their relationships, the students had the opportunityto build on strengths and find new ways to manage difficult feelings andexperiences. In this way they could develop greater self-esteem and betterqualityrelationships.Reading University: students with AspergersyndromeWe have an integrated support scheme for students with Asperger syndrome.We run an assessment clinic for students without a diagnosis who may havebeen identified by counsellors, study advisors or the mental health advisor.The assessment is led by a specialist working in the psychology department.Once diagnosed, the student can access social and academic mentoringthrough the disability office and receive skills training from the counsellingteam. If they come into university with a diagnosis, they will be assigned tothe Asperger syndrome group for support and monitoring. We have regularteam meetings of staff supporting students with Asperger syndrome throughtheir degrees. These are attended by representatives from all areas involvedRoyal College of Psychiatrists85