Additional funding from the Scottish Government will allow support staff to carry out more frequent checks to identify potential mental health problems and wider welfare issues, such as access to food and other needs. Who was involved? Beth Anderson, Vice-President, led this work for the Student Association. The NEI provides a number of areas of work for the project, which allow Beth to select the most relevant areas that have been addressed within the college to help students. The first steps to be taken prior to the presentation of the agreement plan were that Beth had to assess what was already present to help students in their well-being within the college and to find out what gaps needed to be filled. These include discussions with students, their views on the idea, and consultation with the student wellness working group for their ideas. Work on this agreement plan is directly related to ECSA`s work to achieve the Healthy Body Award. Participation in ADMs is not necessary. With 1:1 advice from Think Positive throughout the process, formal and accredited training and development opportunities, institutions will see a number of benefits. Participation in the agreement process will also support broad employment and university networking opportunities for student associations and university and university staff. « It is not surprising that students have long wait times for NHS mental health services, but it is deeply worrying that our institutions are catching up. This is a public health issue, and the government has a responsibility to ensure that NHS psychiatric services meet the demand. « Positive mental health is fundamental to students` ability to progress and make the most of their educational experience. We know that the COVID 19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental and emotional health of many new and returning students, so we welcome this additional funding.

The impact of the previous year`s agreement is assessed to ensure that there is a proactive dynamic each year, with the general goal of ensuring good mental health and well-being for all GCU students, and adopting a « comprehensive institutional approach » to achieving this and promoting a culture of support, openness and inclusion around mental health throughout the campus. « SMHAs are creating a support framework to enable more students to learn and participate fully in their institution, address the stigma of mental health and work to improve the psychological well-being of students. » During the pandemic, we provided $6 million to improve mental health across Scotland. And on Monday, we announced $15 million to address the mental health issues of children and youth. Students have access to all services available to the general population, including the « Clear Your Head » campaign, to help people care for their mental health and well-being.