Enhancing the learning experience of students with mental health difficulties Liz Hughes, Mental Health Adviser, Birkbeck. Jo Myddelton, Counsellor, Birkbeck

Inclusive Practice approach in HE L Context Legislation DDA 1995, Special Educational Needs & Disability Act 2001 – Educational institutions required to make adjustments for and in anticipation of the needs of disabled students. Disability Discrimination Act 2005 – Equality Act 2010 - positive duty on public sector to promote disability equality – promote equality of opportunity, eliminate discrimination, promote positive attitudes and encourage participation. Inclusive Practice approach in HE

J. The Mental Health Continuum

J Case Study Middle aged male student, part-time, 3rd year of UG degree Diagnosis of depression, high anxiety and PTSD. Some physical disabilities, including CFS. Early experience of DV Poor past education experiences

J Case Study Has Study Support Plan – SSP Extensions granted – but open-ended – no boundaries/clarity Automatic emails impact Personal Tutor? Frustrated by inconsistency - lack of ‘joined up’ approach between Wellbeing Services and Department

L Current thinking as to possible causes of Mental Health Difficulties Abuse Generic Predisposition Stress Trauma Life Events or Life Style Mental Health Learned Behaviour Bullying Medical Factors Social Pressures Past Events Environmental Factors

L Effects of mental Health difficulties on studying CONCENTRATION difficulties Reduced INFORMATION PROCESSING abilities Reduced MEMORY and RETENTION function Problems with ORGANISATION and TIME MANAGEMENT GENERAL FATIGUE (esp. if strong medication is being taken) Above average STRESS and ANXIETY levels Poor SELF CONFIDENCE and MOTIVATION Problems with SOCIAL INTERACTION and situations

L Pressures of University life Living away from familiar emotional and practical support (transitions) Academic pressures Financial pressures Adminstrative issues (communication, rooming issues) Lifestyle (alcohol / drug use, diet) Social / relationship worries Additional pressures if international

L. What can trigger an episode of mental distress and ill health? Interaction between vulnerability and stress Stress is the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them.

L Early Intervention

J A Whole Institution Approach Working collaboratively to: Enhance the learning experiences of students with mental health difficulties Support the wellbeing of all students Preventative approach to student mental health including wellbeing promotion for all

L Inclusive Practice Mainstream; Benefit diverse body of students; Choice and flexibility built in to course design; Potential to minimize stress & maximise success – preventative Vital role of academic staff in supporting student mental health and wellbeing

L At Departmental level Clarity as to who is the Disability Lead in each Department and the remit of the role Advise each student of the name/contact details/availability of their Personal Tutor Attendance and/or submission of assignment issues identified in autumn term (esp. 1st year) with early referral to Wellbeing service (non-disclosure) and/or Learning support tutors/academic workshops

L Team Around the Student (throughout course) Disability Lead - Dept Personal Tutor - Dept Team Leader – Dept Mental Health Adviser (links with externals – eg GP etc). Specialist Mentor - DSA

J Improving learning and teaching to support student mental health and wellbeing CLARITY - BOUNDARIES Clear expectations, learning objectives; Clear, accessible course information (available online); Staggered deadlines – with agreed submission dates – reasonable adjustments Approachable / available academic staff; Regular, clear feedback; Early signposting /referral for study skills support and/or Wellbeing Services

J Early referral to services Academic Workshops Learning Support Tutors Library Access Staff Counselling Service Mental Health Service On-line resources

J Policies and Procedures Knowing the process – clarity Safeguarding Officers Safeguarding policy and procedure http://www.bbk.ac.uk/registry/policies/documents/safeguarding-policy-and-procedure.pdf Fitness to Study policy and procedure http://www.bbk.ac.uk/registry/policies/documents/fitness-to-study.pdfures