Mental Wellbeing and Career Planning – the case for collaboration Anna Preston – Senior Careers Consultant Student Careers & Skills 2017

Rationale for the work at Warwick Summary of what we did Debate about the role of careers staff in student wellbeing

Background My own personal interest in student wellbeing Increased referrals to mental health team – HEFCE report 2015 showing 130% increase in demand for student support over a 5 year period We support graduates for life whereas mental health team support stops at graduation

Joint Drop Ins Drop ins with mental health staff and careers staff 2 hours long Summer term targeting finalists Enlarged provision to include a PG drop in and offered 2x a year for each cohort – take up low so will revert to 1 x UG and 2 x PG p.a.

Stress free career planning workshop Face to face and webinar 30 minute and 1 hour Things that enhance your employability may enhance wellbeing as well = Connecting, learning, giving, take notice (exercise) If you engage with careers planning your future might be less stressful

University Wide Initiatives Group to co ordinate activities and share resources Students Union Library

Going forwards Take up modest Needs someone to be invested in it working I believe it’s important

Any questions?

Topics for discussion What happens at your universities? How do you feel about supporting student wellbeing? Is collaboration a good idea or muddying the waters?

Conclusions As guidance practitioners we are well placed to support students – whatever their mental wellbeing We have a duty to support ALL students – not just those who are fit and well The wellbeing agenda is a top priority for universities – we need to be in on the act Planning your future can improve wellbeing e.g. volunteering 93% of respondents to a Warwick volunteers survey said they were happier as a result of volunteering

Universities UK – StepChange Mental Health framework