SMHEMHM25

Why mental health matters

The local and national context of mental health in Higher Education

The Case for Action: mental health in university students

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

7X

27%

57%

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

UK university students disclosed a diagnosed mental health disorder

UK university students reported a mental health issue

(UK Parliament, 2024)

(Student Minds, 2023)

(Student Minds, 2023)

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.

Impact on academic engagement and performance, or educational disruption

Reduced participation in student life, or loneliness

Click the blue dots to see the examples of the impact that poor mental health can have for students

Struggles with work-life balance and sufficient rest

In some cases, self-harm behaviours or thoughts of suicide

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. ​

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

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:

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

Please hover over the sections on the pie charts to see the percentages of students

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:​

​The launch of a 24-hour Staff Advice Line

Increased capacity and services

An NHS partnership

Student Mental Health Essentials training​

​A 'one-at-a-time' model

A wellbeing team

Please hover over on the icons for more information.

What does this mean for me?

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.​

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.

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

Thank you for reading

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