MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT POLICY
Policy guidance and procedures to support students with mental health difficulties
Name of Policy
Mental Health Support Policy
Lead Department
Student Support and Wellbeing
Responsible Officer
Head of Student Support and Wellbeing
Date of approval
TBC
Corporate Strategy
This policy supports the University in achieving its Strategic Outcomes,
particularly in relation to:


Key Contacts
Maximise student and stakeholder satisfaction
 Improve support for student retention and progression
Strengthen operational efficiency and effectiveness and foster a
culture of continuous improvement
 Levi Pay, Head of Student Support and Wellbeing
levi.pay@northumbria.ac.uk
 Julie Rea, Student Support Manager (Counselling and Mental Health)
julie.rea@northumbria.ac.uk
 Simon Lee, Student Support Manager (Policy, Projects and Inclusion)
simon.a.j.lee@northumbria.ac.uk
THIS POLICY IS CURRENTLY A DRAFT FOR CONSULTATION (August 2014)
The University has a duty of care to all students currently enrolled at Northumbria as well as our
applicants and alumni. We have in place a suite of policies which guide how we discharge this duty
and this Mental Health Support Policy forms part of this. This version is a draft which updates our
existing and longstanding policy and processes. If you have any feedback on this policy you can let
us know by contacting Simon Lee, Student Support Manager (Policy, Projects and Inclusion) at
simon.a.j.lee@northumbria.ac.uk
CONTENTS
Page 3
Introduction
Page 4
Scope and Responsibilities
Page7
Policy Statement
Page 11
Legal Context and Implications of Non-Compliance
Page 12
Appendices
2
1.
Introduction
1.1
An increasing number of students are experiencing mental health difficulties, with our
Counselling and Mental Health Support Team seeing a 10-15% increase year on year in
numbers of people using the service. At Northumbria we have students with a range of
mental health conditions both recognised mental illness such as depression, schizophrenia
and anxiety, as well as other mental health issues such as homesickness and stress.
1.2
Many students will arrive at Northumbria already knowing what support needs they have
and will have made contact with support services during their application process. However,
many may not know they could benefit from additional support or may develop a mental
health condition whilst at University. Many of the most common mental health difficulties
are known to develop in young people when they are in their late teens or early twenties
and in some cases, the feelings of stress associated with starting University can be a precurser to developing mental health conditions. As such there is a likelihood that University
students may need additional support to maintain good mental health.
1.3
The University has legal, moral and business reasons for offering the best mental health and
counselling support service it can. Our Counselling and Mental Health Support Team is a
multi-disciplinary team, with a range of mental health backgrounds and specialisms. They
offer a range of support and interventions for our students. Given that we work with in
excess of 1200 students in our Counselling and Mental Health service throughout the year, it
is imperative that we have a clear, coherent and supportive policy in place which supports
and guides our activities.
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2.
Scope and Responsibilities
2.1
Mental health can be defined as “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his
or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and
fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community”1. Mental illness on the
other hand is a term which is generally used in a diagnostic capacity, and as a means of
identifying illness in order to provide treatment. The term mental health difficulties is one
of the preferred terms which can encompass many facets of mental illness and mental
distress which will be used throughout this policy.
2.2
For the purposes of this policy, the term “mental health difficulties” refers to:

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Long-term mental illnesses or psychiatric condition which may be classified as a
disability in the Equality Act 2010
Emerging mental health problems which may later develop into conditions which
require ongoing support or intervention
Temporary debilitating mental health difficulties or reactions which may impact on a
student’s ability to fulfil their academic potential
2.3
The University expects all staff to do all they can to support students with mental health
difficulties and encourage them to play a full and active part in University life. All staff at
Northumbria are expected to promote student wellbeing, enable all students to participate
fully and successfully in University life and promote a positive and non-discriminatory
university community. Staff are also expected to be aware that students may disclose that
they are experiencing mental health difficulties to them and to signpost the student in an
effective and timely manner to the support services. Staff are expected to familiarise
themselves with the referral processes as outlined in “When to Refer”.
2.4
University staff are however expected to recognise the boundaries and limitations of their
role and responsibilities in terms of student mental health. Staff are not expected to analyse
or diagnose a problem and must always make students aware of the specialist support
services on offer by guiding them either to Student Support and Wellbeing or their website,
which includes an on-line registration process. Staff are able to contact a member of the
Counselling and Mental Health Support Team for advice but must respect the strict
confidentiality arrangements which surround the team.
2.5
In order to support University staff in what can be an emotionally challenging situation, we
have in place a three level approach to funnel students into support services.
1
World Health Organisation 2014
4
Level one
In the vast majority of cases, when a student discloses they have an emotional or mental
health issue they should be directed to the Counselling and Mental Health Support Team via
the on-line registration form www.northumbria.ac.uk/cmhsregistration
Level two
If the student is unable or unwilling to register with Counselling And Mental Health Support
Team, but staff feel that they could benefit from support, they should contact the
Counselling And Mental Health Support Team on 0191 2274576 for expert advice and
guidance.
Level three
If a student is at immediate risk of harming themselves or others (for example threatening
to take their own or someone else’s life) staff should NOT contact COUNSELLING AND
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT TEAM, but go straight to University Security on x3200
2.6
The University expects all students to take care of themselves, including being conscious of
their mental health. This includes taking responsibility for their own care, both physical and
mental, especially in respect of adequate nutrition, rest, sleep and social activities, avoiding
the use of illicit drugs and over-use of alcohol. If a student feels they are experiencing
mental health difficulties they should contact the Counselling and Mental Health Support
Team through any of the available means, ideally by completing an online registration form.
2.7
It is recommended that all students register with a local GP practice at their earliest
opportunity as very often GPs are the first point of contact if a student becomes unwell for
any reason, or requires treatment. Registering with a GP helps with signposting to other
specialist services and securing on-going support.
2.8
The University’s Counselling and Mental Health Support Team employs Mental Health
Practitioners and Counsellors who work in a variety of modalities to offer a dynamic and
tailored service.
Counsellors
The Counselling And Mental Health Support Team is an organisational member of the British
Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). The Counsellors are all accredited /
senior accredited individual members of BACP or UKCP (United Kingdom Council for
Psychotherapy), or working towards accreditation with one of these bodies.
Mental Health Practitioners
The Mental Health Practitioners (MHPs) all hold a professional mental health qualification
and come from different professions. They are all registered with a relevant professional
body and are subjected to rigorous standards of professional development.
5
Both Counsellors and Mental Health Practitioners receive regular supervision. Supervision is
provided in either a group or individual setting and to ensure confidentiality and rigour, is
arranged through external providers.
2.9
Our new model which has been very well received ensures we can offer the following:
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IAR (Immediate Appointment Required) appointments with either a Counsellor or
Mental Health Practitioner – for students who present in crisis
Workshops – a rolling programme which focusses on day-to-day pressures such as
stress and social confidence
Guided self help – geared towards students with shorter-term difficulties, this is
supported by the use of self-help materials
Referral into an exercise programme – overseen by our sports centre
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing2
Disability Academic Support3
The team is genuinely multidisciplinary with case notes being shared between the MHPs and
Counsellors. Every weekday morning, a multidisciplinary meeting takes place to review the
registrations received over the preceding 24 hours (as many as 15-20 each day) and decide
on the type of support that would be most effective in each case. Students will be allocated
support quickly, efficiently and on the basis of a proper assessment of risk – in general,
receiving confirmation of their support offer within one working day.
2.10
This policy guides the work of the Counselling And Mental Health Support Team but its ethos
and framework is applicable to all University staff.
2.11
The Counselling and Mental Health Support Team provide a range of training throughout the
year to support the implementation of this policy. This training can be accessed via the
University’s People Development webpages or arranged on request by contacting the
Student Support Manager (Counselling and Mental Health).
2
EMDR has been endorsed by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence as an effective therapeutic
intervention
3
See Academic Support for Disabled Students Policy
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3.
Policy Statement
3.1
This policy is comprehensive and guides the University’s activities in respect of the support
we offer students with mental health concerns. The support often begins before students
arrive at Northumbria and continues throughout their time at University and in some cases
as outlined in the Equality Act, our responsibilities to them continue once they have become
Alumni.
Identification of students with mental health difficulties
3.2
Students may disclose they have mental health difficulties or contact the Counselling and
Mental Health Support Team in a number of different ways. If a student discloses mental
health difficulties as a disability at the application stage they will be contacted by the
Disability Support Team with information about the support on offer and invited to register
with the service. If a student registers with the Counselling and Mental Health Team whilst
they are a student enrolled with Northumbria, they will complete an online registration form
and the team will be in contact with them within two working days to arrange an
appointment. In line with the policy and the When to Refer guideline, staff are required to
ensure that all students are made aware of the support services available and to encourage
students to access these services if needed.
3.3
Confidentiality is of the utmost importance to the team and what is said in a session, in
normal circumstances will remain in the room. However, there are rare exceptional
circumstances where confidentiality can be broken. These exceptions would only be made
for the purpose of public interest, law, our compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998 or
in order to ensure compliance with other aspects of the Duty of Care or Safeguarding Policy
Frameworks. These exceptions might include situations in which a person’s life is in danger
(yours or someone else’s), a situation in which there is active child abuse, a serious crime,
active terrorism or issues affecting the safe practice of those on professional training
courses. This list is not exhaustive. If one of these rare situations arises the clinician will
attempt to contact the student to discuss how the boundaries of confidentiality will be kept
and, if necessary, extended. Further information on confidentiality can be found in our
agreement document, attached at appendix 1 to this policy.
3.4
In line with this confidentiality agreement it may be the case that whilst staff can refer
students to the Counselling And Mental Health Support Team, they may not find out if they
have accessed the service nor how they are progressing. In turn if a student discloses that
they have a mental health difficulty but refuses to allow the information to be passed on, or
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refuses to make contact with the Counselling And Mental Health Support Team, they must
be advised and accept that the support provided for them will be limited.
Disciplinary procedures
3.5
All students are subject to rules and disciplinary procedures which are outlined in the
student handbook. In particular, inappropriate or offensive behaviour will be taken very
seriously and the appropriate procedures will be followed. However if a student has mental
health difficulties this should be taken into account prior to instigating any procedures.
Although not normally party to the disciplinary process the Student Support Manager
(Counselling and Mental Health) and other members of Counselling And Mental Health
Support Team are available to assess the student’s mental health status and able to give an
opinion as to whether this has been a contributing factor. In such cases, alternative actions
may be considered such as reviewing the level of support required by the student. In all
cases where the student appears to have mental health difficulties the Counselling and
Mental Health Support Team must be consulted before disciplinary procedures are
instigated.
3.6
Providing that support has been put in place for the student in line with their mental health
needs, if their behaviour persists, then normal disciplinary procedures may be appropriate.
Alternatively in particular circumstances there is scope for a temporary suspension from the
programme of study. Again, the Counselling and Mental Health Support Team should be
consulted prior to any action.
Teaching and Assessment Methods
3.7
All academic colleagues are encouraged to develop a creative and flexible programme of
teaching and assessing as this is known to have benefits for mental health, particularly in
reducing stress and mental distress for all students. For further guidance see the
University’s Academic Support Policy for disabled students.
3.8
Whilst the University is legally and morally responsible for fully supporting students with
mental health difficulties and in many cases making reasonable adjustments to support their
participating fully in University life, it must be noted that the maintenance of academic
standards is of paramount importance. In seeking to support students with mental health
difficulties appropriately and fully, the University recognises that it is not exhibiting leniency
or applying lower standards but allowing students with mental health difficulties to compete
on equal terms with all their peers.
3.9
The Guidance Tutor role is of particular importance and the University expects guidance
tutors to form a positive working relationship with all their students and to be able to
identify and offer additional help to those with mental health difficulties, referring them to
the support services available.
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The Disabled Student’s Support Recommendations (DSSR) report
3.10
Some students with mental health difficulties may receive a DSSR report which contains
recommendations for what Faculty staff need to do to support the student. The purpose of
the support recommended is in line with this policy i.e. to level the playing field between
students with mental health difficulties and their peers rather than give them an unfair
advantage. The student will be asked to sign the DSSR to confirm they have agreed the
content and are happy for it to be shared with the Faculty
3.11
The DSSR makes strong recommendations for Faculty staff and complying with these are the
easiest way for the Faculty to discharge its legal obligations to the student. Therefore if
Faculty staff decide not to implement a recommendation they must be aware that should
there be a complaint or appeal, they may be required to justify to oversight bodies why an
alternative approach has been taken and how this meets the requirements of the Equality
Act. However as mentioned above, it is possible that DSSR recommendations are covered by
inclusive practice already in place in the Faculty. Where this is the case this should be
communicated clearly, ideally in writing to the student.
When a student becomes mentally unwell
3.12
There may be occasions when a student’s mental health deteriorates to such a degree that
they are unable to attend University. If this occurs, the student, or (with the Student’s
permission) their main carer should be encouraged to keep academic staff informed of their
progress so appropriate support can be arranged. On these occasions both the student and
Faculty should consider alternative means of communication, to enable the student to
continue their studies from home, such as email support. Students can also access
Blackboard via the University website. The Student Support Manager (Counselling and
Mental Health) or relevant practitioner within Counselling And Mental Health Support Team
should be kept informed.
3.13
It is important to note that lengthy periods of absence due to illness may have an impact on
funding and immigration status. For further information, contact the Welfare and
International Team in Student Support and Wellbeing.
Hospital admissions
3.14
If a student requires a hospital stay as a result of a mental health condition the Student
Support Manager (Counselling and Mental Health) or a Mental Health Practitioner will
remain in contact with the hospital and the student and will liaise with Faculty staff about
the student’s plans to return to study with the student’s consent. The Student Support
Manager/ MHP will work with the student and Faculty staff to make any changes to support
packages to facilitate the student’s return to University life. This may include liaison with
external agencies where appropriate.
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Students in distress / emergency situations
3.15
It may be the case that a student’s mental health difficulties may only come to light in a time
of crisis. This may manifest itself in a change of behaviour, appearance, verbal or physical
expressions of distress and frequent absences from lectures or tutorials. Staff are
encouraged to build positive relationships with all their students in order to both promote
good mental health but to help them identify when one of their students may be struggling
or in need of additional support. In such cases, staff are expected to talk with students and
if they feel they would benefit from support, to signpost them to the Counselling and Mental
Health Team webpages, following the process outlined in “When to Refer”.
3.16
If a student is at immediate risk of harming themselves or others (for example threatening
to take their own or someone else’s life) staff should NOT contact Counselling And Mental
Health Support Team, but go straight to University Security on x3200.
Complaints
3.17
The Student Complaints Procedure is outlined in the Handbook of Student Regulations.
Where a disabled student wishes to complain about any aspect of their experience at
Northumbria or with the implementation of this policy, they should refer to the Handbook
and its related procedures.
3.18
Should the complaint relate to their treatment as a disabled person under the Equality Act
and not be resolved through the student complaints procedure they should be referred to
the Disabilities Advisers initially who will advise them of support options available including
that offered by external bodies such as the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
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4.
Legal context and implications of non-compliance
4.1
The University’s approach to supporting students with mental health difficulties is
underpinned by legislation particularly the letter and spirit of the Equality Act 2010. The Act
prohibits discrimination against people on the grounds of their age, disability, gender
reassignment status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief (or non-belief), sex
and sexual orientation. Protection from discrimination for disabled people applies to
disabled people in a range of circumstances, covering the provision of goods, facilities and
services, the exercise of public functions, premises, work, education and associations.
4.2
The Equality Act prohibits:
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Direct Discrimination which occurs when someone is treated less favorably than
another person because of a protected characteristic they have or are thought to
have or because they associate with someone who has a protected characteristic
Discrimination based on association which is direct discrimination against an
individual because they associate with another person who possesses a protected
characteristic
Discrimination based on perception or direct discrimination against an individual
because others think they possess a particular characteristic.
Indirect discrimination which can occur when there is a condition or rule, policy or
practice that applies to everyone but particularly disadvantages people who share a
protected characteristic.
Harassment which is unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected
characteristic, which has the purpose or effect of violating an individual’s dignity or
creating an intimidating , hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment
for that individual. Individuals are also protected from harassment because of
association and perception. And
Victimisation which occurs when an employee is treated badly because they have
made or supported a complaint or raised a grievance under the Equality Act or
because they are suspected of doing so.
4.3
Many mental health conditions will be regarded as disabilities for the purposes of the
Equality Act and the Act has greatly strengthened protection for disabled people.
4.4
The implications of non-compliance with this policy and the Equality Act are significant with
substantial fines being a potential consequence of any breaches.
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APPENDICES
Appendix one
CMHST Agreement
12