bridging the gap - university of exeter · 2020-03-06 · bridging the gap ‘uniting students ......
TRANSCRIPT
BRIDGING THE GAP
‘Uniting students & wellbeing services’
1. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-343544052. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-362765933. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-437398634. https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/figures-almost-treble-number-exeter-16057975. https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/more-concerns-raised-students-over-15855076. https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerset-news/another-bristol-university-student-died-15540057. https://www.theguardian.com/education/2018/may/26/bristol-university-faces-growing-anger-after-student-suicides
OUR RATIONALE
Not all students who require help are making use of wellbeing services:
A recent poll of over 1,000 students by the National Union of Students (NUS) found that, although 8 out of 10 had experienced mental health issues over a year, less than half had sought support¹
1. https://mhfaengland.org/mhfa-centre/blog/bringing-MHFA-to-HE/
INTERDISCIPLINARY ACTION
Maya - LawFirst - EconomicsRhys - PoliticsLisa - PsychologyElinor - Medical SciencesMoira - English and GermanCharlotte - PsychologyJodie - PsychologyDina - Law
● Identifying the different subjects, interests, expertise and experience, that each member acquires.
● Different fields of knowledge integrating to come up with a common idea, to provide access and help around campus.
THE VISION
ACCESSIBILITY
SIGNPOSTING
STUDENT REPS
BRIDGE THE GAP
WELLBEING REPRESENTATIVES
Student-led signposting service: to bridge the gap between students and wellbeing services
● Societies have students in key positions representing social, sporting and educational needs
● We propose appointing students to be wellbeing representatives in key societies
● 106 respondents were interested in becoming a wellbeing representatives
● 113 respondents rated accessibility to Exeter student wellbeing services as moderate, poor or very poor
● 94 respondents would find well being reps on campus helpful
We conducted a survey of 175 students from a variety of societies and disciplines finding that:
● Would you find wellbeing reps on campus helpful?
RECRUITMENT
● Contact a member of wellbeing to oversee
● Go into lectures to explain what we do
● Have a stand at Freshers’ fair
● Application form & informal chat about suitability for the role
ORGANISATION/STRUCTURE
TRAININGOrganisations and training programmes ● Samaritans ‘Conversations with vulnerable people training’● Mental Health First Aid England ‘Higher Education Champion’
Signposting Skills ● Basic knowledge on wellbeing services available for students ● Using handbook provided
Conversation skills● Active listening● Non-judgmental
Additional training/requirements● Volunteers will be required to obtain a DBS check ● Volunteers will also sign a confidentiality agreement
FUNDINGMental Health First Aid England ‘Higher Education Training’ ● Costs £200 per person (We would aim to train around 10
senior representatives at least)
Samaritans ‘Conversations with Vulnerable People’● Training costs £2100 for up to 20 attendees (We would again
aim to train the senior representative who would then spread the information among all volunteers)
Student Guild Annual Fund● Funding will be obtained through an application and
proposal to the Annual Fund through the Student Guild
Crowdfunding via Change.org
● 500 signs are required to start fundraising● Each person who donates over £4 will receive entry into a raffle
Funding through sponsorship● We aim to get supported from businesses around both campuses.● The businesses who support us will get accredited from us and can use our logo for CSR purpose● Some businesses are giving us their products for fundraising purposes
Grants● We are requesting a grant from the student guild which may be raised up to £2000● Grants from city council and government organizations may be requested if needed● Many pharmaceutical companies are giving grants for mental health-related projects
FUNDRAISING
SPONSORSHIP
Social Media
@BridgingTheGapExeter
@BridgingTheGapExeter
EVENTS
Freshers’ week events
● Informal drop-in sessions○ Have a chat and find out more about the
programme ● Freshers’ fair
○ Get some information about our presence on campus ○ 124 students would be interested in an ice cream stall
● Sign up event ○ Recruit potential representatives
HANDBOOK
● Ensuring that information is accessible
● Decreasing difficulty in finding information
● Enabling individuals to maximise what support is available
80.75% (of 31 students) agreed that having a handbook providing basic information about what Wellbeing offers would be an effective addition to the Wellbeing section on the University of Exeter website.
96.77% (out of 31 students) agreed that presenting information in various formats such as flowcharts and diagrams would have a positive impact on the ability to understand Wellbeing services and information.
ACCESS TO INFORMATION
AFTER GRAND CHALLENGES
Students as Change Agents● Work with the university● Make a change in student experienceAnnual Fund ● Receive funds for the projectUndergraduate Research Showcase● Display a project ● Gain visibility (possibly also at a national level)
EVALUATION OF EFFECTIVENESSMonitoring of the impact of our services
Essential for improving and expanding the scheme
● Quarterly surveys
● Interactive surveys
○ Lectures; student participation
