Mental Health Advice

What is Mental Health Advice?

Mental health advice aims to provide support, guidance and intervention to help manage your mental health during your time at University.

What is the role of a Mental Health Advisor?

Mental Health Advisers (MHAs) are qualified members of staff with a background in Mental Health Nursing, Social Work or Occupational Therapy. They have extensive knowledge and experience of statutory services for health and social care, guidelines and practice. MHAs have expertise in supporting people in psychological distress who may have complex mental health, social and academic needs. MHAs work with students with complex, emerging or ongoing mental health difficulties/ challenges.

What to expect?

The aim of the first appointment is to understand the student’s perspective of their experience in a non-judgemental, supportive environment, develop a therapeutic relationship and a plan.  MHAs will work with the student to de-escalate serious situations and crisis planning, including safeguarding. They are an accessible, trusted point of contact for the student during time at QM and help navigate, advocate and liaise with internal and external services to support the student’s wellbeing.  MHAs help the student manage their mental health condition and engage with services on their own terms. They will consider, with the student, the options of support, adjustments and help them develop their agency and support network. The aim of the work is to keep students safe, be inclusive, support retention, completion and for student’s achieving their goals of success.

MHAs will offer an initial assessment appointment, and the student will be invited to discuss their experiences and the impact they are having. The MHA may ask questions about mental and physical health (including risks), family and support networks, activities and hobbies. This helps to build an understanding of the student’s strengths and challenges. They will then plan with the student a further appointment if needed and/or alternate options of support available. MHAs may give guidance on Mental health and wellbeing, and signpost to services within and outside QM.

MHAs adhere to their professional body regulations (standards of conduct and practice) which cover ethical practice, consent and confidentiality in addition to QMUL policies (NMC, Social Work England and HCPC).

As well as internal referrals from QM colleagues and via the usual SRF triage process, MHAs receive referrals from various sources, including academic schools and institutes, Residential Welfare Team, DDS, NHS, Family members, QM Security and urgent cases involving students in crisis.

Confidentiality policy: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/welfare/about-us/information-for-students-on-data-protection-and-confidentiality-/

Online wellbeing resources: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/welfare/wellbeing-support/wellbeing-resources/