Students’ study aims to improve mental health

The Mental Health Foundation Scotland is calling on students living in Perth and Kinross to take part in an online survey to help improve support at universities and colleges.

Believed to be the largest ever study of student mental health in Scotland, it is hoped that over 40,000 students will get involved in the two-year project.

In this first phase of study, students at the 19 Scottish universities are invited to share their views in an online survey and help drive positive change in the provision of mental health prevention and support for students across the country.

A survey will be available for college students in the next stage of the project.

Julie Cameron, associate director at Mental Health Foundation Scotland, said: “We know that in the past year the pandemic has had a huge impact on student wellbeing but even before that there were challenges, and also opportunities to improve student mental health and the support available.

“We’re eager to hear from students about their experiences, both positive and negative.

“We want to learn from their knowledge and ideas about what works and what’s needed to prevent and support mental health problems at university.

“This is a real opportunity for us to better understand and revolutionise mental health support for all students within our universities.”

It is anticipated that the results of the university study survey and subsequent recommendations for mental health support within universities will be available later this year.

To find out more about Thriving Learners and to participate in the survey, visit www. mentalhealth.org.uk/scotland/supportingstudents-thrive