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?