Our approach to mental health and wellbeing

Being at university – whether as a student or member of staff – is an exciting, rewarding and transformational time. At Bristol, we are proud of the world-class, research-rich environment, but we recognise that there can be times when some students and staff struggle with the demands of studying, work or life in general.

Nationally, and indeed globally, there is increasing concern about mental health challenges. We also know that both students and staff in higher education are reporting higher levels of stress and anxiety than in previous generations. It is our absolute priority at Bristol to work with our students and staff to promote good physical and mental health, and to support students and staff who need help. In short, in our University, mental health is everybody's responsibility.

Our Student and Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing strategies have been developed formulated under the guidance of an internal Vice-Chancellor's Mental Health and Wellbeing Taskforce, and further informed by an Expert Advisory Group of national and international research experts, policy makers and practitioners to ensure our approach is informed by best practice in higher education, health and social care. Importantly, they have been developed in partnership with our staff and students, whose insights have brought to life the challenges they are facing.

We are committed to a proactive and inclusive approach to mental health, integrated across all areas to provide the best possible experience for all our students. We recognise that this support needs to be tailored to reflect the diversity of our staff and student body and aligned to our commitment to be an inclusive and welcoming community for students and staff of all backgrounds.

We invite you to read our strategies – these will be reviewed regularly and supported by action plans to deliver the best possible outcome for students and staff.

Student mental health and wellbeing strategy (PDF 865 KB)

Staff mental health and wellbeing plan (PDF 2,12 MB)

Students

For specific support for students, visit our Health and wellbeing site.

Staff

For specific support for staff, visit the staff wellbeing site.