Attending the recent Student Minds’ University Mental Health Charter (UMHC) Conference was a valuable experience. The conference brought together colleagues from universities across the country to share insights, exchange ideas, and explore how we can better support student mental health and wellbeing.
One of the highlights of the day was hearing about the impactful work Student Minds has done over the past five years with the Charter. Their commitment to fostering positive change across the higher education sector is both inspiring and practical, offering a framework that helps universities prioritise mental health in every aspect of student life.
The University of Bath is one of the first fifteen universities nationwide to receive the UMHC Award. This recognition highlights the University's cross-university collaborative approach to the continuous improvement in mental health and well-being for its entire community. However, this is not the end of the journey. The award reinforces the importance to continuously strive towards to improvement of the mental wellbeing of our staff and students.
The conference provided an opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from other institutions to learn from their success and challenges and to reflect on how we can adapt and improve our own practices. The discussions and sharing of strategies—whether for academic progression, wellbeing initiatives, or fostering a sense of community—were incredibly insightful.
The day highlighted the power of collaboration—not just within institutions but across the sector. By working together, sharing knowledge, and learning from one another, we can collectively create environments where every student can thrive.
Attending this conference was an inspiring reminder of the progress being made and the potential for even greater impact in the future. I am excited to take these ideas forward and continue contributing to this vital work.
Blog post by: Lynn Cheong-White, Curriculum & Academic Developer - Inclusive Learning and Teaching, CLT
Click here to find out more about University Mental Health Charter Framework.
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