XClose

UCL News

Menu

UCL joins new University Mental Health Charter Programme

30 July 2021

UCL is delighted to be among the first universities to join the University Mental Health Charter Programme, demonstrating our commitment to making mental health a university-wide priority.

UCL

Published in 2019, the Charter framework provides a set of evidence-informed principles to support universities across the UK in prioritising staff and student mental health. UCL was selected to be part of the first cohort of UK universities to join the programme, and is now eligible to work towards the Charter Award, an accreditation scheme for universities that demonstrate excellent practice in mental health.

Among other principles, the Charter lays out details of how to create effective support services alongside an environment and culture that promote good mental health for the whole university community. It also addresses areas such learning, teaching and assessment, social integration and belonging, and the physical environment. 

The Charter was developed by the UK’s student mental health charity, Student Minds, and is supported by a number of enabling themes from Universities UK’s Mentally Healthy Universities model.

UCL’s progress towards the Charter requirements will be led by Professor Anthony David, Director of UCL’s Institute of Mental Health, and will be supported by the Student Support and Wellbeing group.

Professor David said: “I’m very proud of the work that we are doing at UCL to support the mental health and wellbeing of our staff and student communities. Being selected as one of the first universities to join the University Mental Health Charter Programme highlights our commitment to improving the standard of mental health – not just within UCL but across the sector as a whole. It is exciting to look ahead and build on what we have already achieved in this area so that we can ensure that everyone receives the support they need to thrive.”

CEO of Student Minds, Rosie Tressler OBE, said: “We are inspired by the number that have committed to coming together as part of the University Mental Health Charter Programme to ensure improved and more equal mental health and wellbeing outcomes for the whole university community; creating a higher standard of mental health support across the whole higher education sector.

“Together, we can create a future in which everyone in higher education can thrive."

UCL is one of 32 UK universities to join University Mental Health Charter Programme, which was developed in consultation with staff and students.  The programme has received funding from UPP Foundation, the Office for Students, Jisc and the Charlie Watkins Foundation. 

Links

Image