Students
We deliberately target those in higher and further education to receive training and support as we believe that the time spent at college and university can be a high risk time as external factors such as exam pressure, being away from home and little money can prove decisive.
Our major project, which began in 2004, was funding the development and setting up of the Students against Depression website. This was supported by the family of Matthew Woods to whom we are very grateful. In 2009 this important work was further supported by the Man Group Charitable Trust.
The website went live in 2006 with the aims of providing a community of hope for those suffering depression whilst studying. All the material on the site is clinically validated and supported by the Association of University Counsellors. The website won the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapists Award for Innovation in 2006.
It contains material about depression, self help strategies and student stories to build a sense of community and support. Since 2008, there has also been a moderated student blog ring where selected students blog in real time about their experiences.
We also offer free training at colleges and universities through our Waller Trainers. We send free resources to any college that requests them and in particular we have several resources that advertise the website which are useful to include in a fresher’s pack or for welfare services to hand out.
CWMT is always happy to visit colleges and universities to raise awareness of depression and these events often link together other campus welfare organisations such as NUS student welfare, university counselling services, Nightline and any student led groups such as the Mental Wealth UK project.
We sponsor The Scotland Project (12S: Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing; Colleges and Universities across Lothian) by:
- Providing well being materials and training to develop resilience.
- Supporting specific student groups known to be at high risk.
- Working with existing agencies to develop better care pathways and support for students suffering mental ill health.
Small projects in this area include:
- Sponsoring the Mental Wealth project
- A joint conference with NUS Scotland in the Autumn of 2010
What We Do | Adults | Students | Young People