Supporting Student Mental Health Includes Supporting Staff

As a new academic year gets underway, university staff across London are once again preparing to support students through the challenges and opportunities that come with higher education. We hear on a nightly basis about the academic pressures, financial worries, loneliness and mental health difficulties that impact many students, but these stresses also affect the staff who support them every day.

To help university staff feel confident, prepared and supported in these conversations, London Nightline is delighted to be running another Support Well, Stay Well training session on 4^th November at London Metropolitan University.

The training, delivered as part of the Stay Project, draws on London Nightline's 55 years of experience providing non-judgemental support to students. Through practical activities and teaching, participants develop skills in active listening, supporting students experiencing mental health difficulties - including suicidal distress - and responding compassionately without feeling pressure to "fix" problems. The session also focuses on staff wellbeing, helping participants recognise the emotional impact of supporting others and identify strategies to reduce stress and prevent burnout.

“I found it very helpful, gentle and inviting. Nightline always cultivates great conversations and flags new things.”    

The programme has already had a significant impact. Across the three sessions delivered so far, participants reported high levels of confidence following the training, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 for supporting someone experiencing suicidal thoughts. Participants also rated their confidence in looking after their own wellbeing while undertaking this work at 4.5 out of 5.

“I got a more out of the session than I expected as I don’t work directly in student wellbeing, but a lot of the points still felt so relevant and applicable to what I do.”

As universities continue to prioritise student mental health, it is equally important that the staff supporting students feel equipped, confident and cared for. We look forward to welcoming colleagues from across the city to the next training session in November as we continue working towards healthier, more compassionate university communities for both students and staff.

If you work closely with students and we'd love you to join us. To book your place click here.