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Mental Health Adviser Service

What does the Mental Health Adviser Service offer?

We provide confidential support to students at The University of Northampton who are experiencing mental health difficulties; you can contact us by phone or email. We work in partnership with students to find practical solutions to problems and increase effective coping strategies.

Student Mental Health Advisers specialise in assessing how a student's mental health difficulties affect their ability to learn effectively, and can suggest strategies to help overcome problems.

Further support needs can be addressed by referring to other University or external services.

Within the University we are a source of information and advice for staff supporting students with mental health difficulties.

Who might need the service we provide?

Studying at university can be stressful and this can affect a student's mental health. For example students may have panic attacks that affect their ability to attend lectures or concentrate on assignments or exams.

Additional advice and guidance for students, covering a range of topics, is available to download from Counselling and Mental Health Service leaflets.

Often students' difficulties are short-lived. Sometimes they feel that 'something just isn't right' but through talking with an adviser they come to understand how to make changes that improve their mental and emotional health.

For students whose difficulties are associated with bereavement, relationship problems, moving away from home or coming to terms with difficult life experiences, the Counselling Service is likely to be more suitable.

How do we work with students?

We offer two levels of service. In most cases students will be offered up to six appointments following initial assessment. However some students have enduring difficulties such as persistent depression, eating disorder or schizophrenia. These students may qualify for Disabled Students' Allowances to fund ongoing support and equipment, as appropriate, to help them manage their studies.

Students have a right to expect that information given to us in confidence is only used for the purposes for which it was given and will not be disclosed to others without permission. However, if disclosing information to a third party is essential to protect the student or others from harm, this can be done without the student's permission. This may include informing a doctor or a named care co-ordinator about a serious deterioration in a student's mental well-being.

Information about the service

Appointments are available Monday to Friday in term-time. The service is limited in University holiday times. For students who do not regularly attend Avenue or Park Campus we offer email and telephone support after an initial meeting.

Student Mental Health Advisers adhere to ethical frameworks provided by The British Psychological Society and Nursing and Midwifery Council.

We are committed to the University's Equality and Diversity Policy and to providing a confidential service to all students.

There are information cards that list key points about mental health issues, and counselling leaflets and these are available from Student Services at both Avenue and Park Campuses.

Mental Health postcards collage produced by students

The cards available are:

How to access the service

Students often refer themselves to us. Sometimes the service is recommended by another health professional or University staff member. We are happy to accept these referrals as long as the student is motivated to meet with us.

Our work complements, but does not replace, local mental health services.

Should you wish to make an informal complaint please see the Student Services complaints procedure and form