5 minute read
GET HELP FAST
Therapy in two weeks for students in new scheme
Being a new student in a pandemic is not easy. New rules mean lectures are online and Freshers’ parties are banned.
Universities themselves can’t host the mix and mingle events that help forge often lifelong friendships. At what should be the start of new horizons, students face challenging times.
For some the struggle began before they left their family in the car park of their halls of residence. Around three quarters of adults experience the first symptoms of mental health problems before the age of 25.
About half of all students report thoughts about self harm (Mental Health Survey 2020) and it’s been identified that university students are at a high risk of developing a mental health issue.
The website insidehighered.com reports that a mountain of troubling data about rising mental health problems has health advocates and providers worried about the need for additional support for struggling students, and the ability of universities to provide it.
Michelle Barsoum leads a new programme that will give students from University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University a fast route to therapy. The U-COPE service will offer a single contact point for students with a history or current self harm to access the service they need – and quickly.
It’s based on Mersey Care’s Hope programme, where someone who goes to A&E with a self injury is assured 72 hours therapy starting within two weeks. Evidence shows this approach is highly successful in breaking the cycle of self harm.
Photos: Joel Goodman Students will be offered Psychodynamic Interpersonal Therapy (PIT) blended with Cognitive Analytical Therapy (CAT), which helps the person understand their emotional reactions to situations.
Michelle explains: “We all encounter adverse situations. If someone has developed poor ways of reacting to the stress, maybe by harming themselves or abusing alcohol or drugs, therapy can help to find ways of coping that won’t cause more distress.”
Students who don’t self harm, but are struggling with their mental health, will be offered group therapy in the next roll out phase of the service.
partnership with universities so they can properly support the student through difficult periods and collaborate to offer the best support and outcomes. The therapy is offered virtually, which is important if students are studying remotely. The programme was funded by a successful bid with the Office for Students who set the challenge to develop partnerships to improve student access to mental health services through sustainable partnerships.
Said Michelle: “We know this service is much needed so it’s really good to see it coming to fruition. Liverpool has plenty of really excellent services for young people. Now we’re bringing them all together so students can be sure they can get treatment quickly. If they’ve been with a mental health service at home, we’ll link in with them so we can mirror that support. It’s being there at a vital time and getting help fast. The team will be working in
“A huge part of the project is to bring the partnerships together and develop effective transitions and pathways for students so that they can access the right mental health support at the right time.”
HELP...
University of Liverpool liverpool.ac.uk/studentsupport
Liverpool John Moores University studentwellbeing@ljmu.ac.uk
For urgent mental health support call Mersey Care on: 0800 145 6570
USEFUL WEBSITES AND RESOURCES
NHS website: nhs.uk
Student Minds, the UK’s student mental health charity: studentminds.org.uk
MIND mental health support:mind.org.uk
GIVING BACK SELF BELIEF
Pol Stoker and Neil Cooke will deliver the new service.
“There’s a real energy behind what we’re offering to students.” So says mental health practitioner Pol Stoker about the new therapy service.
Neil Cook, who will deliver the service with Pol, agrees. “The number of students going to hospital with self injury has shown that something like this is needed. If we can help them address their emotional difficulties, it could prevent attendances at A&E in the future.
That future will begin with a programme of therapy, guaranteed to begin within two weeks of getting in touch. It aims to bring the person to understand why they may react as they do to emotional distress. This should in turn enhance control and self belief.
Both Neil and Pol have vast experience of supporting young people. Neil is a social worker who has come to the role from Mersey Care’s innovative personality disorder service. Pol supported 14 to 25 year olds through early intervention services.
They recognise how pressures in a student’s life can build up as they transition to independent life at university. They may include poverty, complex relationships, identity, sexuality or other issues.
“These factors can all have a negative impact upon someone’s mental health especially if they don’t have ways of self soothing, or have difficulties relating to other people,” says Pol.
Neil urges students to seek help instead of using harmful coping methods. “Taking that first step is a huge part of recovery. If you’re struggling with your emotions please get in touch.”
Pol and Neil plan to be based on campus. While restrictions are in place sessions will be held online. Both practitioners wish they could be face to face and Pol is candid about the drawbacks of running sessions virtually. But their commitment is the same.
“When you’re in a room with someone there can be energy, on the other hand some people prefer the security and control of being online. Whatever the situation we know we’ll make it work.”
If you feel you would benefit from this service please speak to your student wellbeing services.
University of Liverpool: liverpool.ac.uk/studentsupport
Liverpool John Moores University: studentwellbeing@ljmu.ac.uk
For urgent mental health support call Mersey Care on: 0800 145 6570
