Engaging & Supporting University Students Chris Ward Mental Health Advisor University of Surrey
Why concentrate on Universities? (Demographic of people experiencing 1 st  psychotic episode) Possible link between severe mental illness and downward mobility Earlier intervention = better outcome
Benefits of MH provision based in a University For Sufferers: Earliest possible identification & signposting to statutory services Support network on campus  For the University: Minimise disruption Maximise retention Enhance reputation For Local Services: Single point of contact at University Ability to share monitoring activities
University of Surrey In addition to NHS GP Practice: Centre for Wellbeing Additional Learning Support Student Health Care (Base for Mental Health Advisor)
University Referral Route Risk to self / others = Security / GP / A&E Emotional Distress / Crisis = Centre for Wellbeing Indication of Mental Health Issue = Student Health Care Concerns raised by tutors, wardens, security, parents, students.
External Referrals (With students permission): Inpatient areas A&E CMHT HTT EIIP GP
What is offered? Mental Health Education & Advice Support Advocacy Monitoring Co-ordination within University
Other Activities Assessment & Signposting Mental Health Promotion (e.g. “Time to Change” activities) Health Fairs Fit 4 Life (Outreach) “Relaxation Zone” (exam stress workshops) Answering general questions / Dispelling myths
Numbers / Trends Academic year 2010/11: Entire student population = ~15,000 Of students that came to attention of SHC: 118 students with mental health difficulty, including: 8 bipolar 2 schizophrenic 11 psychotic episode (no formal diagnosis) (Comparison: 2009/10 – total of 6 students with psychosis of any type)
The Future More referrals! Educating academic & front line staff Awareness campaign: Collaboration with First Steps & Students Union Using social networking to promote health: twitter.com/SurreySHC facebook (Student Health Care)
Questions?

Engaging & Supporting University Students

  • 1.
    Engaging & SupportingUniversity Students Chris Ward Mental Health Advisor University of Surrey
  • 2.
    Why concentrate onUniversities? (Demographic of people experiencing 1 st psychotic episode) Possible link between severe mental illness and downward mobility Earlier intervention = better outcome
  • 3.
    Benefits of MHprovision based in a University For Sufferers: Earliest possible identification & signposting to statutory services Support network on campus For the University: Minimise disruption Maximise retention Enhance reputation For Local Services: Single point of contact at University Ability to share monitoring activities
  • 4.
    University of SurreyIn addition to NHS GP Practice: Centre for Wellbeing Additional Learning Support Student Health Care (Base for Mental Health Advisor)
  • 5.
    University Referral RouteRisk to self / others = Security / GP / A&E Emotional Distress / Crisis = Centre for Wellbeing Indication of Mental Health Issue = Student Health Care Concerns raised by tutors, wardens, security, parents, students.
  • 6.
    External Referrals (Withstudents permission): Inpatient areas A&E CMHT HTT EIIP GP
  • 7.
    What is offered?Mental Health Education & Advice Support Advocacy Monitoring Co-ordination within University
  • 8.
    Other Activities Assessment& Signposting Mental Health Promotion (e.g. “Time to Change” activities) Health Fairs Fit 4 Life (Outreach) “Relaxation Zone” (exam stress workshops) Answering general questions / Dispelling myths
  • 9.
    Numbers / TrendsAcademic year 2010/11: Entire student population = ~15,000 Of students that came to attention of SHC: 118 students with mental health difficulty, including: 8 bipolar 2 schizophrenic 11 psychotic episode (no formal diagnosis) (Comparison: 2009/10 – total of 6 students with psychosis of any type)
  • 10.
    The Future Morereferrals! Educating academic & front line staff Awareness campaign: Collaboration with First Steps & Students Union Using social networking to promote health: twitter.com/SurreySHC facebook (Student Health Care)
  • 11.