University of Gloucestershire students show positive attitude to mental health

20/11/2009

A majority of students and staff at the University of Gloucestershire have a positive attitude towards people who experience mental illness. That was the finding of a mental health survey conducted at the University’s four campuses in Cheltenham and Gloucester.

The 2gether NHS Foundation Trust carried out the survey during the University’s How’s It Going Week which raised awareness of mental wellbeing and student support services. Students also recorded their mood on an interactive ‘Moodometer’ and wrote down thoughts on how they could make life better.

A total of 69 people completed the survey. Of them, 85% agreed that people with mental health problems should have the same rights to a job as anyone else.

The vast majority – 80% – disagreed that it was frightening to think of people with mental health problems living in residential neighbourhoods. Just 12% thought anyone with a history of mental health problems should be excluded from taking public office.

The results also highlighted how common mental ill health is. In the past 12 months, 22% of those surveyed had spoken to a GP about a mental health concern.

2gether’s Cathy Newman, the University of Gloucestershire’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Adviser, said: “This is broadly in line with the national statistic of one in four people experiencing mental ill health every year. The other responses to the survey questions were very encouraging as they show that students and staff are generally tolerant and supportive of mental health issues.

“There are numerous support services available both within the university and throughout Gloucestershire. It is vital that people of all ages look after their mental wellbeing as well as their physical health. Anyone who is having problems should seek help early so their issues can be tackled sooner rather than later.”

Nuala Dyer, of the University’s Student Services, said the results of the survey were very encouraging but there was still work to do.

“We are aware from previous campaigns that there is still some stigma amongst the student population and many students do not know what help they are entitled to,” she said. “If any student has a mental health difficulty they can contact Student Services to access a huge amount of practical and therapeutic support to help them manage that issue alongside their academic studies.”

A total of 180 staff and students registered their mood on 2gether’s Making Life Better Moodometer and nearly two thirds – 110 – said they were happy.

Feeling happy: University of Gloucestershire students, from left, Charlotte Siemianowicz, Justine Uzzell and Helene Matthews register their mood on the Moodometer at Park Campus, Cheltenham

Anyone who is struggling with stress, anxiety or depression can now access Gloucestershire’s new Let’s Talk service which offers information, guidance and talking therapy. Visit www.talk2gether.nhs.uk or telephone 0800 073 2200, 8.30am-5.30pm Monday-Friday.