UMHAN October Newsletter

Welcome to your?newsletter for October 2024.?

I hope that the start of the?academic year is going well for you??

The photo above shows the Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle upon Tyne. I took the picture recently on a reunion weekend with friends I met 30 years ago at university in Newcastle. I have lots of wonderful memories of that part of the city where I lived and studied and just down the road was the building where I first attended sessions with a member of staff when?I was struggling with my mental health. I can't remember what the service was called - but I do remember the person who I met with was incredibly kind and made me feel safe. That's why?I'm so happy to share the findings of UMHAN research into Mental Health?Advisers?because I know from my own experience how pivotal that first experience of accessing support at university was for my mental health?- not just then but ever since.?

Role and benefits of Mental Health?Advisers - UMHAN research report published

I'm so pleased to share our recent research report with you all! When I first joined UMHAN I was asked to see what research was available in relation to the roles of members and whilst there was recent research in relation to mentors there was nothing substantial looking into the work of MHAs. Thanks to all the UMHAN MHA members who took part in this project and for sharing details of the study with students.?

Visit our Publications pages?for the main report and a short summary version.

I've also written a blog about my experience of putting it together and what I?learned:?

The range of support that MHAs can and do provide really is quite astounding whilst the dedication, skills, expertise and compassion of MHAs shines through in the report,?as they considered what the most important parts of their job for the students that they work with are - such as listening to the student without judgement and being a named individual within a university that a student could contact:?

The most important thing is just validating what they're going through and listening to it without any judgement.

The report also looks at the history of the MHA role as well as exploring MHAs views of the?impact of their work and how that can be measured. Even though the data from students was?limited it suggested that the aspects of MHA support they valued ‘a great deal’ were MHAs ‘being a constant source of support while at university’ and ‘being a named person/point of contact I can go to for help’. The changes they had experienced since seeing a MHA that most strongly resonated were ‘I feel like I can finish my programme/course’ and ‘I've been able to work through traumatic experiences’:

She has provided me with invaluable support and helped me process things at my own pace. She took the time to listen and allowed me to be myself. Her genuine care for me has meant a lot, and I don't know how I would have gotten through my master's without her [Sam, postgraduate student].

Lunch and Learn: Supporting Bereaved Students?

UMHAN members had a moving and thought provoking Lunch and Learn on October 16th 2024 with Anna May who set up?the Student?Grief Network. Anna founded the network when she was a student and grieving herself. It is now part of Kaplan International. The network is "dedicated to softening the impact of bereavement in universities" - the use of the word 'soften' really resonated with me - acknowledging the reality and purpose of grief yet also appreciating that at times connecting with others who are grieving and learning more about grief itself,?can be so helpful.?

Mental Health in Education Awards - coming soon!

We are holding our first Awards ceremony on Thursday November 7th 2024. Launched as part of our work to commemorate our?20th anniversary, the categories aim to further our vision for students with Mental Health Conditions to be supported by well-trained, knowledgeable and professional practitioners, and reflect our core values. Look out for details of the nominees and winners in November's newsletter!

Thanks for reading.?

Best wishes,

Rachel?

(UMHAN's Head of Research and Engagement)

Join us?

Have you thought about joining UMHAN?

Membership is of benefit to people who come into contact with?students with mental health conditions as a substantive part of their role.

As a member, you can make the most of UMHAN’s supportive membership network and share valuable experiences and good practice with peers based across the UK.?

UMHAN members can keep up-to-date on policy developments, changes in legislation, projects and events through our active discussion forum and by attending regular members' meetings. External speakers are regularly invited to provide training opportunities on a range of current and relevant topics.?

Visit our?benefits page for more information.