A whole community approach to supporting student mental health and wellbeing
‘Start to Success’ was a 2-year project which aimed to develop a whole community approach to support the mental health and wellbeing of students. It was led by Keele and Staffordshire University alongside the region’s universities, colleges, local authorities, police and NHS providers. We came together with a common purpose to remove barriers, improve support and services, and enable student success.
“The mental health and wellbeing of our students is of critical importance to us. As such we are proud to be working with our friends and colleagues at Keele University, as well as partners from across our region, as we commit to taking a whole community approach to mental health and wellbeing in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire”
— Professor Liz Barnes CBE, Staffordshire University’s Vice-Chancellor
“This project could have a transformative impact not only on the wellbeing and mental health of our students but on the education sector nationally”
— Professor Pauline Walsh, Keele University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Together we achieved
Supportive Student Transitions
Working with our partners to enable an improved transition into university, especially for students with circumstances which may contribute to mental ill health, such as diagnosed mental health conditions, vulnerable and at risk groups, those with care plans and those involved with social services.
Enabling of Early Intervention
Student engagement interventions were implemented to enable early recognition and intervention for students showing early indicators of disengagement, as well as providing students with various resources for managing their own mental health and wellbeing and directing them to the appropriate support.
Step Change in Support
Through partnership we worked with the local NHS trusts, we have developed new and innovative approaches to needs assessment and referral pathways, allowing for a more streamlined and sensitive approach to supporting students in both emergency, crisis situations and planned situations.
Events and Activities run through the project
Be Boxes Launch
At Keele, after the success of the Be Active Boxes the range was expanded to include the Be Mindful, Be Creative, and Be Entertained box.
Mental Health Awareness Week
We hold an annual Mental Health Awareness week. During the week we encourage our community to connect with nature to improve wellbeing, plus shared ways to reduce isolation, stigma and practice self care.
Wellbeing Garden (coming soon at Keele University)
We are developing a well-being garden and encouraging students to come along and help us plant and plan a reflective and quiet space for all the University community to enjoy.
Get involved
Whether you are a student, a colleague in the sector or a local organisation, we always welcome new partnerships and would love to hear from you.