engaging & supporting university students
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Engaging & Supporting University Students
Chris Ward
Mental Health Advisor
University of Surrey
Why concentrate on Universities?
• (Demographic of people experiencing 1st psychotic episode)
• Possible link between severe mental illness and downward mobility
• Earlier intervention = better outcome
Benefits of MH provision based in a University
• For Sufferers:• Earliest possible identification & signposting to statutory services• Support network on campus
• For the University:• Minimise disruption• Maximise retention• Enhance reputation
• For Local Services:• Single point of contact at University• Ability to share monitoring activities
University of Surrey
In addition to NHS GP Practice:
• Centre for Wellbeing
• Additional Learning Support
• Student Health Care (Base for Mental Health Advisor)
University Referral Route
• Risk to self / others = Security / GP / A&E
• Emotional Distress / Crisis = Centre for Wellbeing
• Indication of Mental Health Issue = Student Health Care
• Concerns raised by tutors, wardens, security, parents, students.
External Referrals
• (With students permission):
• Inpatient areas
• A&E
• CMHT
• HTT
• EIIP
• GP
What is offered?
• Mental Health Education & Advice
• Support
• Advocacy
• Monitoring
• Co-ordination within University
Other Activities
• Assessment & Signposting• Mental Health Promotion (e.g. “Time to
Change” activities)• Health Fairs• Fit 4 Life (Outreach)• “Relaxation Zone” (exam stress
workshops)• Answering general questions / Dispelling
myths
Numbers / TrendsAcademic year 2010/11:
• Entire student population = ~15,000
Of students that came to attention of SHC:
• 118 students with mental health difficulty, including:• 8 bipolar• 2 schizophrenic• 11 psychotic episode (no formal diagnosis)
(Comparison: 2009/10 – total of 6 students with psychosis of any type)
The Future
• More referrals!
• Educating academic & front line staff
• Awareness campaign: Collaboration with First Steps & Students Union
• Using social networking to promote health:
twitter.com/SurreySHC
facebook (Student Health Care)
Questions?