The invisible problem? Improving students’ mental health

The University of York have done exactly this. After collecting
data concerning, for example, ambulance call out figures for
cases of self-harm, a Task Group created an action plan. 74 The
plan has two overarching recommendations, broken down into
specific action points with detail on whom the action is to be
taken and led by and a timeframe for initiation and completion.
Other universities should follow this example. A range of
templates is available for both self-reviews and strategy ideas
that universities can follow. 75
A self-review of the referral processes students must go
through is recommended before an action plan is created.
Processes are often more complex than is realised, so feedback
from those who have gone through the process in order to
evaluate its efficiency is paramount.
Given the links between mental health and student retention,
the new Office for Students could consider making a
mental health review and action plan a part of universities’
Access and Participation Agreements, to ensure every
university charging students over £6,000 per year cooperates.
Additionally, university governing bodies could consider
giving one governor a specific remit to track their
institution’s progress in improving mental health support.
iii. Duty of care
Suspended students are often not allowed access to any kind of
university support. If a suspended student has mental health
problems, the university should ensure an adequate care
plan is in place so that suspended students, particularly those
who do not inform their parents/guardian of their difficulties,
are not left without support.
www.hepi.ac.uk 41