Student mental health and wellbeing for universities has become an increasingly important issue. This is evident from a 2021 survey by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which found that first-year university students are significantly more likely to have symptoms of depression or anxiety than the general adult population. Recent initiatives, such as the University Mental Health Charter Programme, have taken steps towards improving support. In addition, the allocation of £15 million by the Office for Students to universities between 2021-22 aimed to address the key challenges faced by mental health services in higher education.

Yet despite this, there remain areas in need of improvement. These include working in partnership with external services, increasing male engagement with mental health support, and co-production with students. In the wake of the pandemic, it is crucial that the higher education sector comes together to share best practice and key insights into creating a positive culture where students feel open to disclosing their mental health challenges and know they can access timely and effective support.

• Of students considering dropping out of university, 34% cited emotional or mental health as the reason, according to the 2022 student academic experience survey
• 47% of respondents to a survey by Humen said mental health difficulties had a negative impact on their university experience
• A 2021 report by UCAS found that LGBTQ+ students are around six times more likely to share a mental health condition than others
• Humen also found in a 2022 study that 41% of students did not think their institution prevented mental health problems from arising.

Join us at this one day online conference to hear experts from across the higher education sector discuss the latest policies and initiatives to deliver high-quality support for students facing mental health challenges. Engage with best practice case studies addressing key issues such as partnership working, co-production with students and supporting marginalised groups. You will also have the opportunity to network with senior colleagues to share common challenges and discuss solutions to improve areas of support for students and the culture surrounding mental health and wellbeing.

Why attend:
• High-level keynotes on the latest initiatives in improving student mental health from leading experts and policymakers
• Case studies showing best practice in developing strategies to better support students and create a positive culture around mental health
• A wide range of topics including multi-agency working, supporting students in crisis, inclusive mental health services and tackling stress
• Network with senior colleagues from across the higher education sector
• Gain 8 hours of CPD points towards your yearly quota.