West London NHS Trust has teamed up with the University of West London (UWL) and its Student Union to deliver tailored mental health and wellbeing workshops for students from diverse communities over the next two academic years.
National figures show that those from black communities are more likely to drop out of university courses than any other group.
The workshops will be delivered by the Trust’s Recovery College in Brentford, making use of virtual learning and peer support schemes to offer students a safe and supportive space to speak openly about their mental health. They will be funded by Office for Students.
Carolyn Regan, Chief Executive at West London NHS Trust, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the University of West London. It’s really important for young people to have good access to mental health support and resources when they need them. We know that early intervention, focused on those who need it most can help young people stay in education.”
The project will work with eight under-represented groups, encouraging early intervention and support. This forms part of UWL’s work to help students remain in education and fulfil their potential – particularly those who consider leaving because of concerns about their mental health.
Michael Cobden, Project Lead and Head of Wellbeing at UWL, said: “UWL has one of the country’s most diverse student populations, and this project will help us work together and deliver racial and culturally sensitive support to ethnic minorities.
“For too long, mental health support has been a one box fits all approach, but our aim is to radically redesign the way mental health and wellbeing support is offered to different ethnic communities, here at UWL and across the country.”
