Today is University Mental Health Day and to mark the day we are raising awareness of a new training module which will support staff to spot the signs of student mental health concerns and direct them to support. This is part of our broader commitment to understanding and improving our mental health support and making our University a safe and supportive place to live, study and work.

‘Identifying and Responding to Student Mental Health Problems’ considers the range of emotional and psychological difficulties that students may experience, from social anxieties to navigating independence and personal growth. Through scenarios filmed in a university setting, the course is designed to equip staff with the essential knowledge and practical skills to respond appropriately in the moment to students and importantly to help them access specialist support via our support services.

Professor Deborah Gill, University Wellbeing Champion said:

‘University Mental Health Day is all about working together to help our students thrive and ensure that no student is held back by their mental health. In launching this training, we are taking a key step in recognising the crucial role staff can play in simply noticing the challenges students may be experiencing and enabling them to work with our specialist support teams to get students the most appropriate help.’

The e-learning module will be available to all staff via Blackboard later this month and will feature as part of a mandatory training package to be launched later this academic year. Early completion is encouraged and your feedback welcome.

Further resources are available staff and students. You can find out more by visiting our staff mental health SharePoint page.

Students can read about the on-campus events being hosted to help kickstart conversations about mental health by visiting SUSSED.