Expand alternative mental health approaches to increase opportunities for students to optimize their wellbeing  

Lead Officer: Izzy Downer, Community Officer

What is the issue about?

Mental health is important for students to be able to reach their full potential. Students can expect the University to provide services to support them in their studies. 

Wait times for NHS and on campus counselling and therapy remain a pertinent issue with students often waiting weeks to be attended. Waiting these weeks is especially harmful during high stress and loneliness periods such as exam seasons and after holidays when the demand for these services increases. Additionally, international students may particularly be affected by loneliness and isolation during the January period.  

Expanded and improved alternative approaches to mental health as the first line of defence will empower students to optimize their wellbeing through support tools and support systems. 

What are we asking the University to do?

We are asking the University to improve and expand the alternative resources that enhance mental wellbeing, in a multi-faceted approach. Increased advertising to services such as social prescribing to supported social groups, the Wellbeing A-Z and the BeWell App is essential to increase awareness and offer preventative support. Expanding resources such as wellbeing activities into town to target students that live in the city and who may be less likely to engage with on campus wellbeing initiatives. Similarly, widening services such as Winter at Bath program to the January period to support feelings of loneliness and homesickness for international students.  

What will success look like?

Updates

• In Collaboration with Student Support we Extended the Winter at Bath Programme until the end of January into the Inter Semester Break. Existing University and SU activities were promoted under the Winter at Bath umbrella with added extra events and activities both on an off campus. This was done aiming to enhance (in particular international) student experience and wellbeing during the holiday period where loneliness and homesickness is more common. 
• The SU introduced its first ever Inter Semester SU Bath and Beyond Trip to Lacock targeted at Postgraduate and International students staying in Bath during the break. SU Trips: Lacock Village, Cloisters and Museum.
• Collaborated with Student Support to develop new signposting and guidance training (Signposting Skills: Peer Wellbeing & Welfare) for student leaders, particularly those most likely to encounter wellbeing concerns, such as peer mentors and Welfare Officers, to build their confidence and capability in effectively supporting their peers.
• Worked with Student Support on a panel retendering the Be Well Talk Now service for next year.