Rethink: Degree of hope – new project to improve student mental wellbeing in Lancashire

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Wednesday, 16, Apr 2008 12:00

A new project aimed at improving the mental wellbeing of students is being launched at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) on Thursday 17 April.

The project, called Rethinking Student Mental Wellbeing, is a three year joint initiative being run by mental health charity Rethink and UCLan. Funded by Big Lottery and Comic Relief it is part of the national Moving People initiative, which aims to stamp out discrimination towards people with mental health problems (see notes to editors).

The project will raise awareness of mental wellbeing among students and staff. It aims to:

· challenge the stigma that surrounds mental illness so that students feel able to get help when they need it

· improve mental wellbeing and social inclusion through physical activity

· develop support pathways so that students and staff know the routes to help

· compile a guide to mental health that can be rolled out to other universities

Diane Miller, the project manager for Rethinking Student Mental Wellbeing, says:

“Studying at university is often a time of great change for students. Being away from family and friends, and having to cope with academic and financial demands can sometimes cause a huge amount of stress.

“The university recognises the importance of student pastoral care and already invests in a number of services. We want to develop the existing systems and reduce the stigma that surrounds mental illness so that the necessary help can be sought without fear.”

The project is being launched at two workshops on Thurs 17 April (1230-1330 and 1700-1800) in the Harrington Building, Room 135, University of Central Lancashire, Preston campus.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Moving People is a groundbreaking and diverse programme of national and local activity, led by four mental health organisations - Mental Health Media, Mind, Rethink, and the Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London. It will reduce stigma and discrimination linked to mental health, and improve the physical and mental wellbeing of people who have experienced mental health problems, and those who have not. Backed by the Big Lottery Fund and Comic Relief, it will have a positive impact on how people in England understand mental health.

For more information contact:

Rethink media team: 020 7330 9129

Diane Miller: 07815 837 475