How was it solved?

Following the development and publication of our Student Mental Health Agreement, and collaborating with our student association, we are piloting a series of ‘Big Blethers’ which have a specific focus on mental health and wellbeing. Developing the Big Blether series will bring students together to create community, a sense of belonging and to combat loneliness. The events also address challenges associated with mental health; breaking down barriers and removing stigmas. The Big Blether will offer a series of online events, allowing students to meet and chat with peers, association representatives and staff, with the input of an expert speaker on a specific topic.

What comes next?

This project will engage students meaningfully in the development of healthy cultures and communities, promoting good mental health and wellbeing through the sharing of knowledge and expertise. One of the long-term aims of the project is to empower students to take these conversations forward and, as informed by measurement metrics, could become a continuing series of events post 2021. We will measure their success by gauging uptake and gathering feedback from students following each session. This will keep an open forum for students to engage with one another, while giving us information on how to tailor the future sessions to ensure needs are being met.