Supporting Student Health and Wellbeing

The number of university students who report that they have a mental health condition has almost quadrupled over the past decade. By intentionally tackling the identified contributing factors to poor wellbeing through an innovative programme of activities, the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the Manchester Metropolitan University has supported its students through key transition periods of critical risk, including moving away from home, financial pressures and the absence of familiar support networks. Underpinned by accessibility and data informed activity design principles, this has been sustainably achieved through collaboration with students, internal services and external partners, most notably the sector leading work with St John Ambulance. Activities themselves range from in-person and online Application and Induction into the Faculty, exploring Manchester and navigating student life healthily and safely, Sports Tournaments, as well as First Aid, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention certification courses. All have demonstrably contributed to greater student inclusion and retention rates at growing pace, quality and scale.

This session, presented by Jake Harding FAHEP, Student Enrichment Manager for Science and Engineering at Manchester Met, will explore the lessons learnt and key takeaways from delivering the Student Health and Wellbeing Programme that can be applied across the sector.