University Mental Health Day
On 14th March, we unite to raise awareness and promote a supportive environment for mental health within university communities.
University Mental Health Day is dedicated to promoting mental wellbeing among students and staff. It provides a platform for open conversations, reducing stigma and encouraging positive mental health practices.
University Mental Health Day aims to create a culture that prioritises mental health within universities and emphasises the importance of seeking help when needed. It is more important than ever to cultivate a sense of community within schools where students feel understood, supported, and empowered in their mental health journey. It’s an opportunity for reflection, education, and collective action to promote a healthier and more compassionate university environment.
According to the latest student mental health report conducted by Transforming Access and Student Outcomes in Higher Education (TASO) in partnership with King’s College London:
- The percentage of undergraduate students grappling with mental health challenges has surged, almost tripling from 6% to 16% across universities in the UK.
- Among students contemplating dropping out of university, the primary reason cited has shifted significantly. Financial distress, which was noted by 3.5% in 2022, has now risen to 8% in 2023.
- When examining mental health trends over time, the prevalence of mental health difficulties is increasing at a faster pace among LGBTQ+ students, tripling in comparison to their straight counterparts.
- Some of the most common mental health conditions being experienced by students are depression, anxiety and PTSD.
“Day-to-day life as a student can be tough anyway. For a lot of students, it is their first time living independently away from home and the support of their families. Students have to manage their money, studies, a job, keep themselves alive and balance a social life and their mental wellbeing, which can be a difficult task on its own, never mind having just left home and having to figure it all out.”
“It can be an extremely overwhelming time at the best of times, but especially in this current political and financial climate.”
The Dundee University Yoga Society shared with us the main obstacles students face in accessing mental health support and how they could be addressed with appropriate support and guidance towards services. Read more here.
If you are a university society or club looking to have a positive impact on your local community, then look no further! Contact our fundraising team today, and we can explore how we can work together to support the mental wellbeing of your members whilst also supporting the wider community.
You can request flyers and support information cards from us to distribute around seating areas on campus and pin them on community noticeboards. With your help, we can ensure that every student knows they can turn to us for support.
Using EasyFundraising is free and lets you raise money for Change Mental Health without having to donate a penny. EasyFundraising works with over 7,000 brands (including Etsy, Asos, Booking.com, Trainline and many more). These brands then donate a percentage of your sale to your chosen charity.
Find out more about EasyFundraising and sign up today!
support
Our Advice and Support Service is open Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, where advisers can signpost you to local support that most fits your needs, including our own Change Mental Health services. We offer initial advice on money worries and help to deal with emergencies.
Contact 0808 8010 515, email us at advice@changemh.org or fill out the enquiry form on the Advice and Support Service page.
