University life can be an exciting yet challenging experience. Students juggle academic pressures, social adjustments, financial concerns, and career uncertainties—all of which can impact their mental health. Recognizing the need for strong wellbeing and mental health support, the Student Union Mental Health and Wellbeing Volunteer Project (2025) focuses on understanding student experiences, awareness, and preferences regarding mental health services. This initiative aims to drive innovation, ensuring support systems are accessible, effective, and aligned with student needs.
Why Mental Health Support Matters in Universities
Mental health challenges among students are on the rise, with issues such as anxiety, depression, and burnout becoming increasingly common. Left unaddressed, these challenges can affect academic performance, social relationships, and overall student retention. By analysing student experiences with wellbeing services, this project helps universities and student unions identify gaps, improve services, and develop more personalized approaches to mental health support.
Key Insights Driving Change
The project collects and analyses data on student experiences with mental health services, their awareness of available support, and their preferences for accessing help. Understanding the diverse needs of students across different years of study and faculties allows universities to refine their approach in a more targeted and meaningful way. The value of this project lies in its ability to:
- Improve Awareness & Accessibility: Many students are unaware of the full range of mental health services available to them. By assessing awareness levels, institutions can enhance their communication strategies and make services more visible.
- Tailor Support to Student Needs: Students have different preferences for receiving mental health support, whether through one-on-one counselling, peer-led initiatives, online resources, or group therapy. By studying these preferences, institutions can provide more personalized and effective support mechanisms.
- Address Barriers to Seeking Help: Stigma, long wait times, and lack of culturally competent services can deter students from accessing support. This project identifies common barriers and helps universities implement solutions that encourage students to seek help confidently.
- Strengthen Peer & Community Support: Universities thrive when students feel connected and supported. Encouraging community-based wellbeing initiatives—such as peer mentoring programs—can create a more inclusive environment that fosters wellbeing and academic success.
Visual Representation of Data Gathered
GDPR Compliance and Ethical Data Collection
Ensuring student privacy, consent, and ethical data usage is a fundamental part of this project. Every aspect of data collection and analysis adheres to GDPR regulations, maintaining confidentiality and trust while using insights to drive meaningful improvements in student mental health services.
Long-Term Value for Student Wellbeing
This initiative goes beyond immediate support—it lays the foundation for sustainable, long-term improvements in student mental health services. By leveraging real student experiences and preferences, institutions can build more adaptive, responsive, and effective wellbeing programs. Ultimately, mental health and wellbeing should be at the heart of a university’s commitment to its students.
The Student Union Mental Health and Wellbeing Volunteer Project (2025) is a powerful step in that direction—helping universities create an environment where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive academically and personally.
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