Objective three:

Early intervention - reducing stigma through early intervention

Take a proactive approach to supporting students and staff at risk of poor mental health, and reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues

The focus of this objective is the development of early interventions to better support students and staff who are at risk of not succeeding due to poor mental health. Working collaboratively within and across all units, the University will promote a common and shared appreciation of mental health issues to help reduce any negative cultural views or opinions that may exist, and to encourage students and colleagues to share their thoughts, feelings and experiences, if they wish to do so. 

Full details about this objective can be found in the Student and Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing strategy (pdf 475kb)

In summary:​​

This objective will: And be measured through:

1. Evaluate the effectiveness of current mental health and wellbeing awareness campaigns at reducing stigma and promoting timely disclosure.

The number, timing and demographics of students and staff disclosing mental health needs.

2. Encourage units/faculties to actively monitor levels of staff engagement with equality, diversity and inclusion training.

Demographics of staff engaging with mandatory and optional equality, diversity and inclusion training.

3. Extend the amount of mental health training programmes to help staff proactively recognise the signs of poor mental health and wellbeing in students, colleagues and themselves.

The number, categories and distribution of staff who have completed mental health first aid training.

4. Evaluate the effectiveness of proactive interventions designed to support students deemed at risk and implement enhancements.

Measures of key attainment gaps and retention of students who have declared mental health issues.

5. Investigate new support services for students and staff experiencing mental health issues.

The effectiveness of the Personal Learning Advisory service at supporting students with protected characteristics.

6. Improve procedures for supporting specific cohorts of students and staff identified as susceptible to mental health and wellbeing pressures.​

Data measuring the retention of students and absence of staff, caused by stress or mental health issues.​