Student Life Centre Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Service An Overview Juliette Smyth Student Mental Health & Wellbeing Manager Student Mental Health & Wellbeing Service - What is the MHWB Service? - How can I refer? - Common mental health difficulties - What happens in an appointment? - Crisis situations - Questions 25/11/2014 LSBU Student Life Centre 2 1
Who are we? - Student Mental Health & Wellbeing Advisers x 3: Stephen Anderson, Nicola Smith & Annie Jennings. - Student Mental Health & Wellbeing Manager: Juliette Smyth 25/11/2014 LSBU Student Life Centre 3 25/11/2014 LSBU Student Life Centre 4 2
25/11/2014 LSBU Student Life Centre 5 How do students book an appointment with us? - Phone: 020 7815 6474 (automated). - Email: studentwellbeing@lsbu.ac.uk - Visit the Student Life Centre or phone 020 7815 6454. - More info: https://my.lsbu.ac.uk/page/mentalhealth-wellbeing 25/11/2014 LSBU Student Life Centre 6 3
1 in 4 25/11/2014 LSBU Student Life Centre 7 Typical student problems seen by MHWB service Bi-polar affective disorder; Domestic violence; Sexual abuse (now or in childhood); Depression; Carers of disabled relatives; Refugees/international students - cultural bereavement; Self-harm; Homelessness; Debt; Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; Sexuality & Religious crises; Suicidal ideation; Psychosis (distorted perception of reality); Substance use; Schizophrenia; Separation & Loss; Depression; Anxiety; Care Leavers; Voice-hearing; Parenting difficulties / Child protection 25/11/2014 LSBU Student Life Centre 8 4
What happens in an Appointment? Confidentiality / 50 min appt Presenting concern(s) History / Risk assessment Agree a plan together prioritise risk issues; liaise with internal/external services. Follow up Appointment needed? 25/11/2014 LSBU Student Life Centre 9 LSBU s Student Charter states that Students should seek to: Divulge information that may be adversely affecting their progress in a timely manner so that help can be initiated, & Divulge concerns regarding anything that may adversely affect the health, safety and welfare of members of the University or the wider community. 25/11/2014 LSBU Student Life Centre 10 5
LSBU factors that can contribute to poor mental health Delays with (SFE) Who to talk to in Faculty Delays (DSA) funds Confusion: Timetables & exams Fear of discrimination/stigma whilst at Uni Lack of affordable/free Sports or Relaxation activities At LSBU Student Support Services MHWB; DDS, Student Advice (financial support) Careers Advice What can help the student? External to LSBU Friends, Family Sports centre activities (& GP gym prescriptions) Student Union clubs & activities Skills for Learning- Caxton House International student advice Wellbeing activities (student workshops; multi-faith chaplain; Confucius Institute) GP / NHS Community Mental Health services / medication Counselling / Talking therapies Community services / projects Exercise Supportive Academic & Halls staff Relaxation techniques; Meditation; Yoga; Mindfulness 25/11/2014 LSBU Student Life Centre 12 6
Talking about mental health If you think a student could benefit from some additional support, broach the subject with terms such as stress and pressure, particularly in relation to workload. Let them know there are places in the university where they can discuss any stress they may be under, in confidence. What is a Crisis a serious concern that a student is at risk of harming themselves or others; their behaviour or state of mind is causing undue concern e.g severe self harm; suicide; harm to others 7
RED Level 3 Immediate risk: Are you worried that a student is at risk of harming themselves or others if no action is taken straight away? On campus, call Security on Ext. 6666, and ask them to call emergency services. Off campus, call 999. Call the Wellbeing Service Ext. 6473 or Ext. 6454 for follow up support. AMBER Level 2 Increasing concerns: Is a student showing signs of not coping? Are they talking about finding things difficult or are you worried that they may be at risk? Contact the Wellbeing Service Ext. 6473 or Ext. 6454 GREEN Level 1 Emerging Concerns: Are you concerned about a student s general wellbeing or worried that they don t seem to be their usual self? Talk to them and tell them about the support available. Call the Wellbeing Service Ext. 6473 or Ext. 6454. Refer to Fitness to Study guidance. If you are in crisis... https://my.lsbu.ac.uk/page/mental-healthwellbeing-crisis - GP - A&E - Crisis guidance, phonelines and websites 25/11/2014 LSBU Student Life Centre 16 8
Looking after yourself You may want support either after a crisis, or in relation to day-to-day concerns about students: Talk to MHWB service Talk to your line manager Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Tel: 0800 1116 387 Talk to your GP / access NHS counselling Useful numbers / websites Samaritans 08457 90 90 90 www.samaritans.org.uk NHS Direct 111 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk Nightline (London students) 020 7631 0101 www.nightline.org.uk Papyrus/Hopeline UK 0800 068 41 41 (prevention of suicide in young people). CALM Campaign Against Living Miserably 0808 802 58 58 (prevention of young male suicide). MIND www.mind.org.uk 9
Student Life Centre Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Service Juliette Smyth Student Mental Health & Wellbeing Manager smythj@lsbu.ac.uk Tel. 020 7815 6473 https://my.lsbu.ac.uk/page/mental-health-wellbeing-healthwellbeing 10