Disability and Dyslexia Services Lisa Bond - Mental Health Advisor Supporting you at Royal Holloway

Introduction – Role of Mental Health Advisor Provide advice, guidance and information to students with mental health difficulties. Provide advice, guidance and information to staff. Promote Mental Health awareness within the University. Undertake one to one sessions with students face to face, by phone or online. Ensure all support available is in place for students with mental health conditions including: Mentoring (via Disabled Students Allowance) Student Counselling Encourage student engagement with GP, Community Mental Health Recovery Service, Talking Therapies etc.

Initial Meeting Meet with student once registered with DDS. Ascertain what available support the student has not yet engaged with. Ensure they are registered with the Health Centre or GP. Liaise with academic department and wider support services. Discuss ongoing support.

Ongoing Support Regular face to face meetings to discuss current difficulties and to ensure all support is accessed. Keeping in contact with students via email or phone if face to face contact is too difficult for student at that time. Liaison with academic departments and wider support services. Support with extension requests and extenuating circumstances.

Providing Advice, Guidance and Information to Staff Hold disability awareness talks for all staff. Meet with DDS Network Members. Mental Health First Aid courses offered to all staff.

Promoting Mental Health Awareness within the University Mental Health Awareness Week University Mental Health Day Stressbusters The Five-day Careers De-stress Social Club Mindful Mondays Collaboration with Sports Centre Student Helpers Unistart

Case Study A Student A suffers with depression and anxiety and has recently registered with DDS. In my initial meeting with A, they tell me that they are registered with the Health Centre and have been taking prescribed medication for a couple of years and feel that it is working. A has recently been struggling with their workload and has missed a recent essay deadline. A has not applied for Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) and thinks they would benefit from a mentor. Liaise with department regarding an essay extension and arrange a meeting with A and personal tutor to discuss workload. If applicable, arrange study skills sessions to help student manage future workload. Help A complete DSA application form for mentoring. Advise A to book a Student Counselling session. Arrange to meet regularly at least until mentoring is in place.

Case Study B Student B is brought to the attention of DDS via a security report after they were taken to hospital following a suicide attempt. They have been experiencing regular panic attacks and have been too scared to leave their room most days. They were treated for depression, anxiety and a personality disorder at home but they have not received any treatment since starting University as they felt this was a fresh start and they would start to feel better. B has also been drinking heavily and has started self harming. B is registered with the Health Centre. Register B with DDS. Arrange GP appointment for medication review, support regarding alcohol consumption and with the hope of GP arranging appointment with CPN for psychiatric assessment. Ensure student has support from Home Treatment Team following hospital discharge. Inform academic department. Help apply to DSA for mentoring. Arrange regular appointments to meet with Mental Health Advisor. GP appointment for medication review and help around alcohol consumption.

Signposting Chaplaincy and Faith Support Counselling International Student Support Residential Support Financial Welfare and Funding advice Student Services Centre Campus Security Health Centre Community and Wellbeing Disability and Dyslexia Services (DDS)

Mind Apples

Any Questions and Contact Details Lisa Bond – 01784 443416 lisa.bond@rhul.ac.uk