Organisations and web sites specifically for HE/FE staff
Mental Health in Higher Education
mhhe aims to enhance learning and teaching about mental health through increasing networking and the sharing of approaches across the disciplines in UK higher education
University Mental Health Advisors Network
UMHAN supports the work of mental health specialists working within HE. It seeks to share good practice and to influence developments across the sector. Please see our website for further information about membership and our work.
Supporting Student Mental Health and Well-being (Scotland)
This resource offers guidance and information on promoting and supporting student mental health and well-being. It is intended for staff working in colleges and universities especially lecturers and support staff in day to day contact with students, staff working in student support and senior management to support development of policies and procedures relating to mental health.
Healthy FE Framework aims to improve the health of those who study or work in the further education (FE) and skills sector. It's about working with FE and skills sector providers to make the health and wellbeing of staff and students an integral part of all aspects of FE life. It is sector-led, and seeks to support Healthy FE and skills sector providers in their role as community leaders. It will enhance their ability to cater for the health and wellbeing of staff and students through tools and guidance, and fostering partnerships with your local health services.
Universities UK/Guild HE Working Group for the Promotion of Mental Well-Being in Higher Education
The Working Group for the Promotion of Mental Well-Being in Higher Education was founded in 2003 in response to growing interest in, and concern about, the mental health of students and staff in the UK Higher Education setting.
The Group's aims are to: promote collaboration between the different sectors, agencies and professional groups with responsibility for mental well-being in HE; be a reference point for government bodies, managers in the NHS and educational institutions and practitioners in respect of mental well-being in HE; to influence policy on issues related to mental well-being in HE.
UK University Student Counselling
A resource for those managing counselling services for UK university students.
Information and Guidance
Silently Stressed: A Survey into Student Mental Wellbeing
NUS Scotland has called for increased investment in support services for students following new research into student mental health in Scotland. The full report is available by clicking on the link.
Higher Education Institutions and International Students' Mental Health
This report produced by the Young Minds Stressed Out and Struggling Project is intended to draw attention to and help Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) support the mental health of their international students. It is aimed at all staff groups, whether they are involved in teaching or in support services.
Reducing the risk of student suicide: issues and responses for higher education institutions
Aims to raise sector-wide awareness of the risk of suicide and attempted suicide amongst the student population and help universities and colleges take appropriate steps to minimise those risks.
Student Mental Health Planning, Guidance and Training Manual
This Manual produced by Lancaster University in 2002 includes the following topic areas: developing a student mental health policy, supporting students experiencing mental health difficulties, supporting the supporters, training and awareness raising and promoting student mental health: a proactive approach.
Policies and Procedures
Mental Health Policies and Practices in UK Higher Education (2006)
This document presents an analysis of the results of a survey of UK Higher Education mental health policies and practices that was undertaken in autumn 2003. The purpose was to investigate the scale and scope of provision to support students and staff who experience mental health difficulties. The survey was undertaken by the Working Group for the Promotion of Mental Well-being in Higher Education, a working group of Universities UK/SCOP.
This document is the second edition of a code of practice relating to disabled students (originally entitled 'Students with disabilities') in UK higher education institutions. It is one of a suite of interrelated documents which forms an overall Code of practice for the assurance of academic quality and standards in higher education (Code of practice) for the guidance of higher education institutions subscribing to the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and other bodies offering UK higher education.
Individual HEI Policies/Research
Mental Health Guidelines for Staff (University of Stirling)
Student Mental Health Policy (University of Bath)
Supporting Students with Complex Mental Health Difficulties (University of Sheffield) - Research findings
The Mental Health Needs of Staff
The Line Managers' Resource - a guide to managing and supporting mental health in the workplace
Produced by Mind out for mental health, The Line Managers' Resource gives advice on spotting signs of distress, taking early action to prevent problems escalating, supporting an employee who is off sick and planning a successful return to work.
The Resource can be downloaded as a PDF file or ordered free of charge from 0870 443 0930
Only Connect is a confidential Counselling Service for people working in Further and Higher Education. For further information visit their web site.