Mental health support is being offered to university students in Leicester and Leicestershire. Students at De Montfort University, University of Leicester and Loughborough University will all be able to access a range of mental health support services in new Neighbourhood Mental Health Cafés.

The Cafés have been established in consultation with student unions and student wellbeing teams and are delivered by Leicester, Loughborough and Rutland Mind.

Leicester and Loughborough have a large and diverse student population, who can be at risk of falling through the gaps in healthcare when they leave home.

November is also the busiest time for the university’s mental health and wellbeing services. As homesickness, loneliness and relationship breakdowns begin to take place. As well as the added academic pressures that can also influence students’ mental health.

In 2022 a survey by the mental health charity Student Minds, reported that 57% of respondents self-reported a mental health issue and 27% said they had a diagnosed mental health condition.

To help students who may be struggling, neighbourhood Mental Health Cafés have been set-up across the universities for the first time.

The Cafés have been set-up in consultation with student unions and student wellbeing teams, who have helped to shape the space and the services available which include workshops, signposting to help and support as well as individual and group sessions.

The spaces have an open-door policy, with no appointment needed for any students or staff looking to get mental health support.

Karen Watts, Head of Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity at Loughborough University said:

“Education and the experience of being at university is a key part of an individuals’ life and development. Ensuring appropriate education, health and support which wraps around the student experience, can make a huge difference to someone’s completion of a degree and future life opportunities.

“Our focus remains on improving provision for students, and the Mental Health Café’s allow students to have access to therapeutic resources.”

Giles Tinsley, Programme Director for Mental Health at NHS England in the Midlands, said: “University can be exciting and challenging time for young people. The Mental Health Cafés are a huge support to those studying at university.”

Following the implementation of the Cafés, the universities are also looking at embedding an NHS Talking Therapies practitioner in the universities in October. The pilot scheme will help to reduce the length of time students have to wait to access mental health support.

The practitioner will be integrated into the universities’ wellbeing team and will be offering drop-in sessions as well as step 3 mental health support via a student pathway.

Students can also refer themselves directly to an NHS Talking Therapies service without a referral from a GP, or a GP can refer them.

A full list of mental health support options is available through the NHS website. The service is also suitable for deaf people, with tailored services available via the NHS 111 website.

Free listening services are also provided by charities such as The Samaritans or Shout Crisis text line.