Universities transform lives; they are unique communities in which to study and work, with unique pressures to match. Looking after the minds of students and staff across universities and preventing poor mental health has never been more important.

More students than ever are reporting mental health conditions. In a 2019 survey of UK students by Insights Network, 55.4 per cent of respondents either had a mental health diagnosis or had experienced a serious mental health problem. We believe that knowing how to look after your mental health is a key part of university life and that’s why Teesside University is taking part in our exciting Mentally Healthy Universities project.

The programme offers two standalone workshops and one short four-part course for undergraduates.

All the sessions are designed to create spaces for students to discuss and learn about mental health with their peers, share experiences and knowledge, and break down stigma. 

The Workshops and Course

• Wellbeing Essentials for Students: A 2-hour interactive workshop and mental health resource hub.

We all have mental health and managing it effectively is a key part of thriving at university. We created this interactive workshop, and accompanying resources, to provide students with knowledge and skills around managing their mental health and wellbeing. Our aim is to help students take a proactive approach to looking after their mental health and to ensure they know where to find the right support if they need it.

• Looking After Your Mental Health at Work: A 2-hour interactive workshop.

University has a big role to play in preparing students to thrive in the future. This workshop aims to give students knowledge and confidence to help them manage their mental health and wellbeing when they move into work.

• Tools and techniques for Student Mental Health: A four-part blended course.

We want students to have the knowledge and confidence to manage their mental health and wellbeing well. We created this blended course of four weekly sessions and online learning to introduce students to tools and techniques that will help them manage their mental health during their studies and beyond.

All sessions will be delivered by experienced mental health trainers led by Sinead Murphy from our team and will provide a safe space to discuss mental health and learn from each other. 

Currently sessions are designed to be delivered online via a video conference platform but when the current COVID 19 situation allows there will be options for delivery face to face.