UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 28 JULY 2021
Birmingham City University has signed up to a new initiative aiming to improve student and staff mental health following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The University has joined the University Mental Health Charter Programme, which brings together universities committed to making mental health and wellbeing a university-wide priority, to share practice and create cultural change.
The Programme is led by student mental health charity Student Minds.
Universities on the Charter Programme form part of a UK-wide practice-sharing network, with access to events, and opportunities to come together to improve their approach to student and staff mental health.
The University will also work towards the Charter Award, an accreditation scheme, which recognises universities that demonstrate excellent practice.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Peter Francis said:“Birmingham City University understands that the mental health and wellbeing of our students and staff underpins the ability of our entire community to thrive.
“Working together as one community to achieve Charter recognition will foster the right environment for our students and staff to be the best they can be, safe in the knowledge that their wellbeing is a strategic priority.”
CEO of Student Minds Rosie Tressler OBE said: “Even before the pandemic, universities were facing increasing reports of poor student and staff mental health. The last year has highlighted even more the need for a renewed focus and investment in the mental health and wellbeing of our university communities. Now is the time for the universities to come together as part of a collaborative effort to enact long-term, strategic change.”