SPONSORS & ASSOCIATES:

 Why A Mental Wealth Group? Getting Started

Connecting Young People With The Resources To Thrive

WEB SUMMIT

CONTENTS:

• The Context: Why Mental Health Matters• University Life: Pressures facing students• The First Mental Wealth Group: History• What is a MW Group: The model• What are groups doing? Examples of activities• How do we measure impact? • What’s the first step?• Questions…?

The Context

‘By 2020, Depression is projected to be the second leading contributor to global burden of disease.’ World Health Organisation.

So we need services, right? Yes. But that’s not enough…Knowledge is also needed. But that’s not enough…The right attitude is needed….

…the bigger picture of wellbeing. Going upstream.

“The growth of mental health problems among students…is a matter of considerable concern.” Students are a ‘special case’. (Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2011.)

“As many as 66% of university students say they have a mental health problem despite only 0.3% of students declaring a mental health disability on their application form nationwide.” – Time To Change, 2012.

Transition: Independence/Dependence? - Finances & Career worries - ‘Pressure cooker’ – Isolation - Domestic stuff(!)

Increasing demand for services & decreasing resources -> Stretched resourcing -> Fragmented approaches -> Limited awareness

Attitudes, Awareness, Accessibility.

(The role of universities?)

University Life

The First Group

The Mind Matters Society, University of Leeds,2008. ‘Bringing mental health out of the shadows and promoting wellbeing.’

Close integration with student union and counselling. Wellbeing Fair, Talks, Surveys = Great feedback!

What is a MW Group?

Three facets: 1. A social hub2. A communications hub3. A leadership hub

A community of students committed to promoting positive wellbeing on campus, each affiliated to their student union and working as part of a university-wide approach. Groups aspire to provide a valued service to their university and to students.

What Are Groups Doing?

Campaigning for changes in attitude and policy on campus, breaking

down barriers to wellbeing.

Bridging the divide between the institution and it’s students by

creating dialogue around wellbeing and increasing engagement.

Hosting meetings and activities that promote wellbeing and offer an inclusive, empathetic space for

students.

Promoting services and resources for students through events,

signposting, and information sessions.

Mental Wealth Group

Visit http://mentalwealthuk.tumblr.com for more practical examples!

Measuring impact

• Attitudes towards mental health (discrimination)• Awareness of services/resources• Number of students involved in activities• Feedback from staff/students• Effect upon individual wellbeing

The first steps

• Decide upon what the aim & format is (group/society/service..? campaigning? social?)

• Engage stakeholders (counselling service, mental health advisor..)

• Get promoting (lecture shoutouts, website ads, posters, emails…)

• Reach out! Talk to students. Talk to staff. Talk to MWUK.

Four steps to a MW Group

Further LinksWorld Health Organisationhttp://www.who.int/mental_health/emergencies/expert_opinion_on_service_development_msd_2007.pdf

RCP Report on Student Mental Healthhttp://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/files/pdfversion/CR166.pdf

Response To The Reporthttp://bit.ly/HJWXog

Wellbeing in Higher Educationwww.brighton.ac.uk/clt/index.php/download_file/view/79/179/

Healthy Universitieshttp://www.healthyuniversities.ac.uk/

Mental Wealth UK resourceshttp://mentalwealthuk.com/resources

Time To Change articlehttp://bit.ly/HoKlaV

Mental Wealth Foundation © 2012

Questions..?www.mentalwealthuk.com

home@mentalwealthuk.com