Developing a system approach to improving students’ mental health – NHS and universities in partnership

David Rose, South London Mental Health and Community Partnership

Alice Speller, Goldsmiths University

University students’ mental health is deteriorating nationally. In 2016/2017, 57,305 university students disclosed a mental health condition to their institution. Recorded suicide rates, attempted suicides, mental health crises, and overall drop-out rates are increasing

There are an estimated 140,000 students at universities in South London. Student Support Services have reported large increases in students contacting them with concerns and requests for help with their mental health between 2017-2019.

Universities and mental health Trusts in South London realised that we needed a new approach to tackle the challenges. We came together as a group, initially comprising senior level representatives from eight universities and three NHS Mental Health Trusts.

It is clear Higher Education students form a unique community. They are vulnerable to a high number of factors affecting their mental health and well-being. Universities cannot tackle this in isolation. The NHS is not consistently providing services and support when needed by this very distinct group.

Working in partnership, and involving students in research, insight and co-design from the start, alongside student welfare leads and mental health clinicians, we realised a new holistic was needed.

This would bring benefits of scale, consistency and equality of access and quality; join-up between higher education and the NHS; and an integrated care system solution is being developed to tackle this significant challenge.

Our broad aspirations are

  • Students enjoy good mental health and well-being throughout their university experience and student journey; supports future well-being and employability
  • University policies and services support well-being and resilience of all students
  • Students who experience mental health problems, of all types, receive their support and care they need, when and where they need it
  • An integrated NHS-University system achieves specific outcomes including
    • Reductions in students’ mental health crises, clinical episodes and incidents requiring urgent care and admission
    • Demand for NHS mental health and GP services through improved well-being and early intervention
  • Improved student retention/satisfaction; continuation of studies and achievement
  • University staff are better equipped – improving their experience and retention
  • Equal access to high quality support and care across south London – right support at the right rime in the right place including assessment,  reduced waiting times and access to new pathways

We have come together to consider solutions and this session will cover the underpinning insight and strategy, and the evolving proposed new system approach.

The South London Mental Health and Community Partnership (SLP) is a collaboration between Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, and South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust, between them delivering mental health services to a population of more than 3.6 million people. The partnership brings together clinical expertise, experience and innovation, aiming to improve quality, use resources most effectively, and deliver best practice consistently to all patients.

More information: https://www.slpmentalhealth.com/AnnualReview201819/