SMHEMHM25

The local and national context of mental health in Higher Education

Why mental health matters

Universities have seen an increase in the complexity and severity of mental health cases in recent years (Department for Education, 2023).

The case for action: Mental health in university students

57%

UK university students reported a mental health issue

(Student Minds, 2023)

27%

UK university students disclosed a diagnosed mental health disorder

(Student Minds, 2023)

7X

More UK HE students since 2021 with mental health conditions than the previous decade

(UK Parliament, 2024)

Click the blue dots to see the consequences of mental health problems for higher education students

Recent findings highlight the growing mental health crisis in UK universities, with more students than ever reporting mental health issues and requiring support, thereby underscoring the importance of comprehensive and proactive mental health strategies within higher education institutions.

Dropping out of university

Self-harming behaviours

Suicide

Poor academic performance

What does this mean for Higher education?

These findings highlight the growing mental health crisis in UK universities, with more students than ever reporting mental health issues and requiring support, thereby underscoring the importance of comprehensive and proactive mental health strategies within higher education institutions.​Universities have established legal responsibilities under health and safety, safeguarding, and equalities legislation and are therefore expected to take reasonable steps to support student wellbeing. ​

Hover over each segment of the chart to see the percentages of students declaring these common issues.

Across all services in the Student Support Department, in the year 2024, there were 2943 referrals. Previous estimates from colleges have suggested a similar number of students approaching college staff with a mental health difficulty. ​ Based on referrals to the University Counselling Service, the most common student-reported issues included:

What does the Student mental health landscape look like for Cambridge?

Training for staff and students, which includes Student Mental Health Essentials​

​Introduction of a ‘one-at-a-time model’ aimed at reducing waiting times

Development of an NHS partnership for students to access secondary mental health services

Increased capacity with the Counselling and Harassment and Violence Support Services as well as a new Mental Health Advice Service​

Introduction of a Wellbeing Team within the Education Services as well as Wellbeing Posts across the colleges

​Launch of a 24-hour Staff Advice Line for Colleges and Departments during term-time​

What is Cambridge doing in response to our students' mental health requirements?

In 2021, the University and Colleges jointly commissioned an externally-led strategic review of student mental health provision. This review made a number of recommendations for improvement and led to the creation of a Mental Health Change Programme (MHCP), which included the following:​

With thousands of students seeking and needing mental health support each year, early intervention and a whole-university approach are essential.

What does this mean for me?

The strategic review of mental health provision at Cambridge University has led to significant improvements. However, to ensure that these improvements translate into meaningful support for those who need it, staff across all roles - whether in teaching, administration, or pastoral support - play a key part in identifying concerns early, signposting to appropriate services, and fostering a culture where students feel comfortable seeking help.

When we are mentally healthy, we can manage life’s challenges, reach our potential, engage fully in learning and work, and contribute meaningfully to our communities. As staff who interact regularly with students, you can play a crucial role in helping students achieve this.​

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