Degrees of Disturbance: Working with Students with Mental Health Issues

Abstract

This study explored issues around higher education (HE) staff working with students with mental health issues. It looked at the experience of staff taking part in training to help them become better equipped to support vulnerable students.

The study’s findings fit with those of other research which show the pressures experienced by staff working in HE (Collini, 2012; HUCS, 1999; Reisz, 2011). The recommendations correspond with those made by the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCP, 2011) which highlight the benefits of HE-based mental well-being services and relevant training for staff. Inclusive and transformational training is valuable, as are initiatives such as ’Health Promoting Universities’.