University joins Mental Health Charter Programme

The University of Reading has signed up to a new framework, helping to strengthen mental health support for students and staff. 

The University Mental Health Charter Programme was created by thousands of staff and students, led by Student Minds, to shape a future in which everyone in higher education can thrive. 

Director of Student Wellbeing Services, Selina Patankar-Owens, was involved with the creation of the Charter Programme. 

The Programme provides a set of evidence-informed principles that champion a ‘whole-university approach’ to mental health, which includes adequately resourced, effective and accessible mental health services as well as proactive interventions to create an environment and culture that promotes positive mental health and well-being. 

As a member, the University of Reading is now starting work towards the Charter Award, an accreditation scheme which recognises universities that demonstrate excellent practice, and through self and external assessment identifies ways to make further improvements. 

The Charter Programme also brings together UK universities committed to making mental health a university-wide priority and to sharing good practice through events such as workshops, webinars and conferences. 

Professor Parveen Yaqoob, Deputy-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: "We recognise more than ever the importance of supporting the mental health of our students and colleagues. Working with the Charter Programme and collaborating across the sector will help us to enhance our existing policies and practices to support good mental health across our whole community."