The University of Law joined the Mental Health Charter Programme in October 2022 as part of its ongoing commitment to advance mental health awareness across all campuses and contribute to improved practice in the higher education sector more widely.
The Charter has been developed through the collaborative work of Students Minds, AMOSSHE, OfS, NUS and UUK. The programme endeavours to improve mental health support in higher education using a ‘whole-university approach’, promoting the wellbeing of both students and employees. To achieve this, the Charter Programme uses this collaborative approach to identify the main factors affecting mental health at university and employ tailored strategies to build cultural change.
The University Mental Health Charter defines a whole-university approach as: “an approach that includes both adequately resourced, effective and accessible mental health services and proactive interventions.”
In signing up to the Charter, the university has pledged a commitment towards creating and sustaining an environment which supports the mental wellbeing of the community through embedding evidence-informed policies and practices. The Charter is composed of 18 themes mapped against 4 domains – Learn, Support, Work and Live together.
ULaw’s Vice Chancellor & CEO, Professor Andrea Nollent, describes the project as an opportunity “bringing together staff and students from all areas of the university, to challenge our current practices, recognise what we are doing well and develop our strategy for improvement in the future.”
The project will be led by The University of Law’s Director of Equality Diversity & Inclusion, Patrick Johnson, with the help of a team of student support, EDI and wellbeing professionals. The work will ensure a coordinated approach to activities, led by the project steering group and informed by contributions from a diverse group of our staff and students.
Learn more about The University Mental Health Charter and mental health & wellbeing support available at The University of Law.