We’re working with the NHS, regional education providers and local authorities to develop new and innovative approaches to student wellbeing and mental health that can be rolled out nationally.

In the 1960s Keele was the first UK university to introduce a counselling service, a concept which is now commonplace across the country, and the University is now leading a new partnership to develop an integrated community approach to mental health and wellbeing for students as part of a £2.2 million funding award from the National Office for Students.

Keele is working in partnership with Staffordshire University as well as with local colleges and authorities, police and NHS providers, to effectively support students’ transition into, through and out of higher education, especially those with circumstances that may contribute to them being more vulnerable to mental health issues. The project outcomes will be shared throughout the higher education sector and will ultimately lead to new and innovative approaches that can be applied nationally in order to positively impact on student mental health, such as a toolkit for both the further and higher education sectors, and a new referral pathway for NHS services.

Keele University Vice-Chancellor Professor Trevor McMillan said: “Student mental health is a strong institutional priority for us at Keele, and a frequent topic on the agenda of both the executive team and the University Council as we develop a new institutional strategic plan, in which health and wellbeing is a key strand.”

Student support and mental health provision at Keele has increased significantly in recent years. In addition to developing the integrated community approach to mental health, the University provides dedicated specialist student support services, including a counselling and mental health team, and recently introduced out-of-hours support staff. Keele students can also now access free online support through Big White Wall, 24/7 and 365 days a year.