A new group is tackling challenges around student mental health in our region

Representatives from across health services, the higher education sector and students bodies met this week to discuss ways to improve local students' wellbeing and mental health.

Evidence shows that students trying to access mental health services have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. We're hearing from them that, "It's difficult to navigate around services, especially when you're a student doing it by yourself," and "I'm really struggling right now, but I've been told not to book a GP appointment unless it's an emergency. I've been told not to go to A&E if I'm in crisis." This valuable context has allowed the group to ensure that young people are placed at the centre of the project, with the event demonstrating genuine collaboration and desire to effect change.

The new group addressed the challenges within the systems and sparked a passion to work together in our local regions to collaboratively share best practice and formulate solutions to enhance the mental health of our student population. 

The online event was attended by over 100 delegates from organisations including universities, NHS trusts, voluntary and community sectors, commissioners, Improving Access to Psychology Therapies (IAPT) providers and student unions to help inform and share good practice.  

Dr Katrina Lake, Assistant Director of Mental Health (Clinical), Mental Health Clinical Delivery Team, South East Region said:

“As a regional collaborative of NHS innovation organisations called the Academic Health Science Network (AHSN) working with NHS England and NHS Improvement, we were delighted to see such excellent engagement in this important area.  We look forward to working across higher education, healthcare, local authorities and third sector organisations in the South East to support the mental health and wellbeing of students which has been significantly impacted by the pandemic.” 

There are 15 AHSNs across England, licensed by NHSE to spread innovation at pace and scale. In the South east the Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS), Wessex, and Oxford AHSNs, are working with NHS England and NHS Improvement colleagues to support the student mental health agenda. This programme aims at establishing local networks to address the challenges within the mental health service. 

For more information, please contact Sally Forbes sally.forbes@wessexahsn.net

Find out more about the Wessex AHSN Mental Health programme