Introduction
Andrew Fisher
University Deputy Assistant Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Curriculum Leadership
In my role as the University Senior Tutor, I find inspiration and encouragement when reading our new Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy. It is incredibly important as it directly tackles the urgent requirement to prioritise and support the mental health of our students, especially considering the concerning decline in mental wellbeing in the UK and beyond. As an institution, we have a responsibility to take this matter seriously. It is vital in our community for everyone to consider how decisions, policy, or initiatives fit with this strategy.
Our strategy recognises the unique challenges that students face in today’s world and importantly acknowledges that mental health is not solely an individual concern but a communal issue. It highlights the importance of leadership, transition, prevention, data, and partnerships in creating a supportive and inclusive environment for our students. By incorporating these themes, we will better foster a positive and nurturing atmosphere that promotes our student wellbeing.
An integral element of our strategy is the incorporation of the Suicide Safer review. While recognising the sensitivity of this topic, it is important to address it head-on – by including this review we are actively working towards meaningful progress in this crucial area. Furthermore, the Universities UK Stepchange: mentally healthy universities framework and University Mental Health Charter serve as invaluable guides, setting high standards for our initiatives and ensuring that we utilise evidence-based practices. By aligning ourselves with these frameworks, the University of Nottingham demonstrates its commitment to continuously improving our support systems and providing the best possible care for our students.
I am particularly encouraged that our strategy prioritises prevention and early intervention, focusing on equipping students with necessary support before mental health issues worsen. Through proactive measures and cultivating a wellbeing culture, the aim is to continue to create a positive environment that supports all students. Collaboration lies at the core of our strategy with valuable input and involvement from students, as well as partnerships with the Students’ Union and other student groups. This inclusive and diverse approach ensures that our strategy reflects the needs and perspectives of our student community.
As University Senior Tutor, I am excited by the Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy. It demonstrates our commitment to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our students.
I am confident that with the right resourcing and continued support from the university community, it will make a tangible difference in their lives and contribute to a healthier and more nurturing university environment.
Ela Chauhan
Students' Union Officer for Welfare and Wellbeing
Every student at the University of Nottingham has mental health and every student deserves a university community that supports their health and wellbeing. Life can be difficult for students – academic pressures, the skyrocketing cost of living, loneliness and feeling excluded and everyday life worries are increasing pressure on our students. This pressure is expressing itself locally and nationally in a student mental health crisis.
We know that we need urgent action to address this crisis, both nationally and here at Nottingham, and I am pleased to see the Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy come to life after a year of collaboration and cocreation.
Every student deserves the ability to access appropriate support when they need it, and the strategy lays a pathway to a proactive, whole-university approach to mental health and wellbeing. It’s so important that we recognise the inequalities of access to services and the impact of discrimination and marginalisation on the wellbeing of students at Nottingham, and we welcome the steps outlined to create respective and inclusive communities that support the wellbeing of everyone on campus.
We need a system of support which is easy to navigate, compassionate and cohesive, so that every student can thrive. The strategy outlines some of the steps that the university – working with the Students’ Union and other partners – will take to meet this goal. We encourage you to hold us and the university accountable to the progress we make together.
We look forward to working together to ensure that every student is empowered to reach their full potential in a healthy, supportive and inclusive environment.
Definitions
Mental Health
Mental Health is defined by the World Health organisation as
a state of mental wellbeing that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and wellbeing that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in.
Wellbeing
Wellbeing is defined in the Oxford Dictionary as
the state of being comfortable, happy or healthy.
Accessibility
The Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy has been converted into a fully accessible 'Xerte' document.
Please use the links at the side and in the top menu, to access parts of the strategy you would like to view.
A printable version is also able to download.