Mental wellbeing

Staffordshire University recognises that in life we all have our ups and downs and react to things in different ways and have different ways of coping. We are committed to promoting a culture of support and positive mental wellbeing for our students and we hope that by creating such a culture, your experience here will be a positive one.

It is important for you to know that we are here to support you emotionally as well as academically, and that there are a range of support services that you can access.

We recognise that it may be very difficult to talk about your mental wellbeing and we try to make things as easy and friendly for you as we can. We are here to support you at any point during your time at Staffordshire University.

If you feel that you would like to see someone specifically about your mental wellbeing, you are encouraged to contact the University's Specialist Support Advisors, Heather Brown (Stafford) or Elsa Heffernan (Stoke).

• One-to-one support for practical, emotional and academic concerns (please note, this is not counselling) Visit Counselling
• Impartial guidance through which individual support needs and the range of educational opportunities can be explored
• Accessible support negotiated at a mutually convenient time and place
• Ongoing support and regular reviews
• Supported access to other services within the University, Students'Union and local to the area
• Information about self help techniques

You can be confident that you will be treated as an individual, not as a diagnosis, focusing on your wellbeing and your recovery from mental or emotional distress or illness.

At all times the Specialist Student Advisors will work to empower you to participate fully and successfully in University life.

Any student of the University who feels they may benefit from the service can use it.

All ages, gender, ethnic backgrounds, academic abilities, people who have long or short term health problems, drug or alcohol related issues can use the service.

We acknowledge that your needs can change and the service is here to help at any point during your course.

For staff requiring information and advice on how to support students with mental health and wellbeing difficulties, please refer to the University's Mental Wellbeing Policy including Guidelines for Supporting Students in Distress.

Visit: University Policies and Regulations

The named contact for Care Leavers within Staffordshire University is Elsa Heffernan and the support she provides is available to you at any time during your studies. She may also work with the Care Leaving Team supporting you outside of the University to ensure that your time here is a positive experience and that both your emotional and practical needs are met throughout your studies.

There are many complex challenges that we as a University recognise you may be facing as a Care Leaver which may be different from other students. Commencing a course at University is both an exciting and challenging experience, but can also be a time of anxiety and confusion. Elsa can offer ongoing support and impartial advice, and can signpost you to other University and external support services in order to meet your needs during this time. You can be confident that you will be treated as an individual and empowered to participate fully and successfully within University life.

You are welcome to get in touch with Elsa for an initial chat about what she does and how you can work together if you feel that would be useful and are encouraged to contact her to arrange an appointment if you would like to explore your options further.

See contact details below.

The Money Doctor within the Students' Union Advice Centre can give you advice on funding entitlement to ensure that you are receiving all the money that should be. You can also find information regarding additional help from the University Access to Learning Fund (ALF) on their web page.

Just get in touch by telephone, e-mail or text and we can arrange a time for an informal chat. The Specialist Student Advisors are available on both Stoke and Stafford Campuses. If you would like to bring someone along, that’s fine too. Alternatively give the Specialist Student Advisors a ring first if you would like to discuss it more before making an appointment.

Contact details

t: 01782 294517
f: 01782 292786
Minicom: 01782 294564
e:e.c.heffernan@staffs.ac.uk

Heather Brown
Specialist Student Advisor
D001, One Stop Shop, Ground Floor, Beacon Building, Beaconside, Stafford.

t: 01785 353615
f: 01785 353330
e:h.e.brown@staffs.ac.uk

The service is available from 9.30am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday, virtually all year round, excluding public holidays and the week between Christmas Day and New Year.

See our useful links section