1. Students and Mental Health Diane Phimister Dave Cowen

2. Statistical Context: HE sector in the UK has grown rapidly – increase of nearly 1 million students from 1,567,313 (1994/1995) to 2,287,540 (2004/5) Suicide is the most common cause of death in young men under the age of 35. 1990-1999 1,482 full-time student deaths as a result of suicide. 147-178 students commit suicide every year. Difficulty in establishing true extent of the issue.

3. Possible exacerbators for increased mental health problems: Student life-style. Access to support services. Family support. Increased debt. Pressures of academia.

4. Issues identifed: Conflict of roles.-  Therapists vs academics.  Definition of roles – ?amateur counsellors

5. Issues identified: Communication –  Disjointed.  Lacking co-ordination.  Confidentiality

6. Issues identified Attitudes/ discrimination:  Stigma.  Staff awareness. For example findings from a research study into the needs of staff at the University of Hull revealed that: 26% of tutors felt they lacked the knowledge, skills and experience to deal with students mental health needs.  Definition of disability – identified as a problem/burden/labelled. Mental illness – disability???

7. Issues identified:  Duty of care – Lord Atkins Donohue vs. Stephenson (1932).  DDA (1995) and SENDA (part 4) (2001) makes it unlawful for Higher Education Institutions (‘responsible bodies’) to discriminate against a disabled person in terms of educational provision.  Reasonable adjustment – anticipatory duty owed to disabled people and students. Staff development and review of practice should be ongoing.

8. What are we doing at Coventry? Development of student mental health forum to include AST and mental health advisor. Developing a clear policy and flowchart for staff – dissemination to the whole faculty. Liaising with practice regarding suicide strategy.

9. So why is this all so important? Raising the profile of mental health – encourage safe disclosure. Reduction of stigma. Contribution to national targets. Most importantly - Student experience – DAVE’S STORY