Mind your head: mental health support for students

Recent research confirms there is a growing incidence of student mental health problems, and as a result a campaign to promote student mental health and wellbeing, Mind your Head, was launched today in Belfast by the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland and NUS-USI, the student movement in Northern Ireland.

These two organisations have joined forces to produce a guide, Mind your head: tools for healthy minds in healthy bodies, to support young people while they are at university. The guide, sponsored by the Investing for Healthier Communities grant programme, will be a valuable resource for many students throughout Northern Ireland.

Lynn Bruce, Regional Programme Manager for Children and Young People with the Health Promotion Agency, said: "Research shows there is a real need to support these young people and Mind your head is full of practical tips and information on mental and emotional wellbeing. This project targets first year university students primarily because the transition from school to university life can be very stressful between dealing with unfamiliar surroundings and adapting to a more independent and irregular lifestyle.

"Students need to be aware that stress is normal and can be managed. We hope that this resource will show students that they can actively do something positive to protect and promote their own mental wellbeing."

Mind your head includes information about relaxation techniques, exercise, nutrition, studying as well as many useful contact numbers. There is also an accompanying booklet for parents, practitioners, student advisers and tutors with advice on how they can promote mental and emotional wellbeing on campus.

Ben Archibald, NUS-USI Convenor, said: "The record number of students now seeking help with mental health problems has highlighted the need for students' unions, colleges and other agencies to share best practice in tackling this growing problem. The production of these publications will greatly help students and their advisers on campus to promote better mental wellbeing."

Over 5,000 copies of the booklet will be distributed to first year students in higher education across Northern Ireland. This innovative project aims to have a positive effect on the mental health of students under pressure.

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