University Mental Health Charter
The University of Huddersfield is proud to have signed up to the Student Minds University Mental Health Charter. In signing up to this programme, we have committed to the Programme’s vision that universities adopt a whole–university approach to mental health and become places that promote the mental health and wellbeing of all members of the university community.
What is the University Mental Health Charter (UMHC) Programme?
The University Mental Health Charter (UMHC) was developed by Student Minds, in partnership with organisations and representatives from the Higher Education sector following an intensive research and consultation process with university students and staff. It launched in 2021.
The Charter is a voluntary programme comprising a Framework and an Award. It was piloted at the University of Derby, Hartpury University and Glasgow Caledonian University in 2020.
For a student to get the most out of their university experience, they need to be able to fully engage in the experience and feel connected to the university. Having good mental wellbeing enables a student to benefit from personal and academic growth to sustain them both at university, post-graduation and their wider life
Emma Carpenter, Student Wellbeing Manager
Alongside the Framework and Award, the Charter offers network events and opportunities for universities to come together to share best practice, support culture change and improve the mental health and wellbeing of staff and student communities across the UK.
The Framework
There are 5 domains, or areas of focus, with each domain broken down into a set of themes.
The 18 themes are subdivided into 100 evidence-informed principles of good practice.
The Award
The Award is a voluntary accreditation scheme which recognises universities that demonstrate excellent practice. It entails a self-assessment submission, a peer review and onsite visit.
Who is it for?
It’s for everyone!
A “whole-university approach” recognises that all aspects of university life can support and promote mental health and wellbeing. The principles of good practice reflect this wide range of factors that influence our mental health and wellbeing at our place of learning, research and work.
Student Minds have adopted a whole–university approach to ensure the Charter reaches all corners of our university’s student and staff communities.
What has happened so far at the University of Huddersfield?
The University of Huddersfield signed up to the Charter in September 2021 and have funded a project manager to drive the process of self-assessment activity, continuous improvement work and Award accreditation over the next 3 years.
A steering group has been established, which met for the first time in February 2021. This group has staff and student representatives from across the university, with Jane Owen-Lynch (Pro VC for Teaching and Learning) as the project sponsor and Matt Mills (Director of Student Services) as the operational lead.
Working groups, based on the Charter’s domains, will be established to review and assess how well the university already meets the principles of good practice and to identify areas for development.
Can I get involved?
To make sure our work meets the needs of our entire university community in a meaningful way, we need your help!
If you are interested in joining a working group, please contact Clare Taylor.
We are keen to hear the views and experiences of our staff and students. If you would like to share your feedback or ideas and suggestions, please use our feedback form. You can do this anonymously if you wish.
Further details…
For further details, please contact our UMHC Project Manager, Clare Taylor (details below) or visit the Student Minds website.
Clare Taylor
c.taylor5@hud.ac.uk
01484 258338
What next?
29/06/2022: Teaching & Learning Conference
Come and talk to Clare at the T&L conference.
This section will be updated with feedback from the conference in due course.