Mental health and wellbeing

Mental health issues are increasing among the UK’s student population. The increasing financial pressures of studying at Higher Education, along with the demanding nature of studying medicine, healthcare and science subjects, make our students’ mental health and wellbeing top priorities for St George’s. 

We are committed to supporting students’ mental health, with a counselling service on site and pastoral care provided by tutors, as well as ongoing campaigns across the University to raise awareness of, and eliminate the stigma around, mental health issues.

Welfare Support

In 2019, alumni donations to our Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund enabled the establishment of a new Students’ Union Education and Welfare Support Officer role. This role continues to be partially funded by donations from our alumni community and has been vital as the needs of students have evolved during the Covid-19 pandemic:

"We have spoken to some students who are seeking guidance on establishing structure and routine while studying remotely. Others, such as international students, have found themselves unable to travel home at a time when many students are moving out of student accommodation.   

 

We have also been speaking to students who are most vulnerable at this time, who have found themselves in a disruptive or unstable environment as a result of the lockdown. These are students who have felt particularly anxious about going home and the Welfare Service has provided them with someone to speak to, to help them stay centred, during this challenging period."  

 

Lon Teija, Students’ Union Education & Welfare Support Officer

Togetherall Service

As well as the Students’ Union welfare support service, students can also access Togetherall (formerly known as Big White Wall) for free, confidential 24-hour online support. This platform is also funded by the alumni community and allows students to self-manage their mental health and wellbeing through a range of online courses and clinically managed, trained professionals, called Wall Guides, are on hand 24 hours a day to help those in need of extra support.  

Watch the video to find out more about the service.