Students struggling with mental health issues have been handed a boost thanks to a new initiative at Salford University.
The Greater Manchester University Mental Health Service is an NHS funded scheme designed to support the drastically increasing number of students affected by mental health issues. The £1.6m service is intended to provide expert advice, guidance and support to students who, in this transitionary stage in their lives, do not have the support of home.
The University of Salford scheme has been set up with a specialist team, including a consultant psychiatrist, a consultant psychologist and a team of mental health nurses.
Helen Marshall, the University of Salford’s Vice Chancellor, said at the scheme’s launch event last week: “With the launch of this innovative, sector-leading partnership, there is potential to change lives.
Copyright: University of Salford
“We know that poor mental health and well being can be a huge barrier to success, and we need to help break down that barrier for our students.”
Approximately 500 students are intended to use the service with more than 40 having visited the service in its first week of counselling.
Funded by the universities in the area and in partnership with the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, the unique £1.6m service also received support from industry sponsors.
The mental health charity, 42nd Street, has provided funding and will be offering voluntary group sessions with students while Sick! Festival, another mental health charity sponsor, will be holding arts-based events to include students.
Alisha Anderson, a second-year English student at the University of Salford, states how she thinks the university will benefit from the new scheme. She said: “[Before the new service started] It took a good few weeks, I think maybe a month, until I was actually seen by anyone. And obviously its worked out okay for me. Some people don’t have that kinda time.
“They need help quickly and if they have to wait a month to even talk to someone then, something bad can happen. Hopefully, the new system with the NHS will benefit them.”
To find out more about the support being offered from Salford University, follow this link for contact information and guidance.
Recent Comments