GCU shines spotlight on mental health
Universities UK’s Stepchange Framework looks at student mental health and wellbeing through four ‘domains’ of Learn, Support, Work and Live. The places in which students live must be supportive of their health and wellbeing, as the following example shows.
Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) has expanded its extensive mental health support with a new resource that is helping to shine a light on the factors that can impact upon mental health and wellbeing.
The “Spotlight on…” series, supported by Santander Universities, is a series of bundled resources; each addressing a different topic relating to mental health and wellbeing. Within the Spotlight On Series, each topic comprises of:
- A pre-session video which summarises existing sector research and literature on the topic alongside the references and ways to access this literature.
- A live event comprising of a round table panel discussion with external and internal experts, along with individuals with relevant lived experiences.
- Post event resources: including recorded discussions from the Q&A, podcasts, training, future events, information booklets, relevant mental health support services and more.
The series aims to promote an inclusive culture of openness, trust, raise authentic awareness of mental health and wellbeing and the factors which can impact upon this. It is hoped that the resource will empower both students and staff to better understand mental health and wellbeing, enhance their mental health literacy, and provide support for universities to enhance their understanding and support for their communities.
The resources have had a soft launch during the pandemic and so far there have been over 200 staff and students who have either taken part in the live event or engaged with the resources. GCU are currently working on developing the hub for Spotlight On to share these resources with staff and students across the sector.