Student Minds University Mental Health Charter Award recognition

Teesside University has received the Student Minds University Mental Health Charter Award, which recognises positive approach to student and staff mental health and wellbeing.

Teesside University is one just 15 universities in the UK - and the only institution in the North East - to receive this recognition from Student Minds, which acknowledges commitment and investment in developing a whole-university approach the mental health.

Student Minds is an independent voice for university mental health within higher education, public health, and the student community.

The Student Minds assessment highlights how Teesside University has “clearly demonstrated a commitment to embedding a whole-university approach to mental health”. The assessment adds that Teesside is demonstrating “excellent practice” in many of the University Mental Health Charter Framework’s themes.

Professor Mark Simpson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Teesside University, said: “We place huge importance in ensuring our students experience positive mental health while studying with us, and we take a whole-university approach in delivering this. We have undertaken considerable work to strengthen mental health support for our university community.

“This award reflects the importance Teesside University places on mental health and wellbeing. It also acknowledges the investment in services and the innovative way in which we support students, from the very first day they arrive at university.”

Rosie Jones, Director, Student & Library Services, said: “This award is a tremendous achievement from everyone from the University and testament to the University’s understanding of the vital importance of ensuring our students and colleagues are supported, encouraged and guided.

“The award itself is a journey and over the next five years we are going to improve and build on the achievement and innovation we have demonstrated. We look forward to continuing to create a learning environment which considers mental health a priority and supports students and our staff to achieve their potential.

“We're extremely proud to be among a small group of universities which have been able to demonstrate commitment to student and staff mental health and wellbeing through the work we've done in the design of our buildings and physical spaces, the wide range of student support services, counselling and welfare, and acknowledging how other areas, such as sport and exercise, contribute to positive mental health and wellbeing.”

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