Mentally Healthy Universities Programme
Mind's work with universities
The Mentally Healthy Universities Programme was a 2-year pilot supported by Goldman Sachs Gives. The programme ran from September 2019 to August 2021 in 9 universities across England. Universities partnered with local Minds who delivered the programme. It tested a whole-university approach focused on preventative interventions.
Students were encouraged to take part in sessions on:
- Wellbeing
- Managing mental health at university
- Transitioning into the workplace
University staff were also empowered to participate in Mental Health Champions and Peer Supporters schemes. The programme supported the universities to meet the Mental Health at Work Commitment.
We'll be taking forward the learning and resources created in the programme as part of our strategic priority to work with young people. This will involve reviewing the university environment and those in employment and in-community settings.
We won't be continuing the Mentally Healthy Universities Programme. Instead, we'll be working directly with young people to explore their mental health needs.
You can find more information on the programme below.
Our evaluation findings: Final evaluation report
Students and staff members who took part in our pilot programme reported positive improvements in their knowledge, awareness and confidence across various mental health outcomes.
The evaluation report provides more information on the programme, our findings and subsequent recommendations for Mind, the higher education sector and the Government.
View the full evaluation report
Our evaluation findings: Interim evaluation report
The findings from the first year of the programme were really positive. Student feedback included:
- gaining a better understanding of mental health
- better confidence in looking after their mental health
- awareness of mental health in the workplace.
Meanwhile, university staff rated our courses highly, and 9/10 would recommend them to a colleague.
View our full interim evaluation report
Resources for students
We created a Student Mental Health Hub as part of the programme. Here you can access information and resources on student mental health and wellbeing.
The Mental Health at Work Commitment
During the Mentally Healthy Universities Programme, Mind supported our partner universities to meet the Mental Health at Work Commitment.
The Mental Health at Work Commitment is a framework that was launched in 2019. The commitment is based on the Thriving at Work standards. The Thriving at Work standards are 6 mental health core standards for employers, drawn from best practice and evidence.
>Read our guidance for the higher education sector on the Mental Health at Work Commitment
> Read our summary for senior leaders on the Mental Health at Work Commitment
Influence our work with young people
If you are aged 16-24 and are interested in having the chance to influence the work we do next with young people, then please sign up to be part of our Youth Voice Network. Members will get updated on our opportunities to get involved with Mind’s work.
