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

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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

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

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

8. Any questions?

9. 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?

10. 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

11. Universities UK – StepChange Mental Health framework