We are pleased to announce that the University has joined a new initiative designed to improve support for student mental health in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Mental Health Charter Programme, led by Student Minds, the UK’s student mental health charity, brings together 32 universities committed to making mental health and wellbeing a university-wide priority to share practice and create cultural change.
Universities on the Charter Programme form part of a UK-wide practice sharing network with access to events and opportunities to come together to improve their approach to student and colleague mental health. Programme members can also work towards the Charter Award, an accreditation scheme which recognises universities that demonstrate excellent practice.
The universities that have joined the programme will now become part of a UK-wide network sharing access to events and opportunities, which will enable us to improve our approach to student mental health. Members also commit to working towards principles of good practice informed by evidence. This includes a commitment to working with colleagues and students to provide properly-resourced and effective support services, as well as creating an environment and culture that promotes good mental health for the whole university community. The University will work in partnership with The University of Westminster Students’ Union towards achieving the aims of the Charter, so that the priorities for action are informed by students’ experiences and views.
The Charter confirms our commitment to be a compassionate University and to create a positive place and culture so all our people are supported and encouraged to realise their ambition, as set out in the University strategy. It also aligns with the Universities UK Stepchange framework for mentally healthy universities, and will help to inform how we should improve the range of support and resources for students that are already in place.
Talking about the Charter, Sally Olohan, Head of Student Support and Residential Life at Westminster, said: “Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the Westminster community has never been more important which is why we are very proud to join the Mental Health Charter Programme which will help us to improve support for University of Westminster students and create cultural change across all universities.”
Samira Azir, Vice President of Welfare for the University of Westminster Students’ Union, also said: “At University of Westminster Students’ Union, we believe that it is important to value the mental health and wellbeing of everyone within our Westminster community. We are proud to be working in partnership with the University who have committed to the Mental Health Charter Programme. We are looking forward to the changes and more effective support that will be on offer to our students whilst encouraging open discussions and working collaboratively with our communities”.
To find out more information, head to the University Mental Health Charter website.
