The Government has announced it is investing up to £3 million over the next academic year to help ease the pressure on the NHS and universities.
The new scheme will bring together university, NHS and mental health services to create regional partnerships which could include physical hubs that students can visit in-person.
In the past, students may have suffered from delays in accessing mental health services when they have had to move location to study. It is hoped that by joining up these services to better communicate, students can access specialist services more quickly, be supported in their mental health, improving outcomes, enhancing the quality of their university experience and their likelihood of success in the future.
Dr Elaine Lockhart, Chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Children and Young People's Faculty, said:
“We welcome the government’s investment in mental health services for university students, we know that delays in accessing mental health care can have a serious impact on students' wellbeing.
“University students are facing increasing mental health difficulties. University pressures as well as, loneliness and financial insecurities can all affect students’ mental health who often have to wait too long for support.
“We hope today’s announcement will lead to a more joined up service that will give students will the right support at the right time, preventing more serious mental health challenges further down the line.
“While we welcome the possibility of physical hubs for students, we must ensure that all young people can access these kinds of services, regardless of whether they go to university or not. “
For further information, please contact:
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