Universities policy – read through ‘Purpose and Principles’ sections in the zone meeting. Policy for staff and students – able to pull Enabling Services/University up if they are not providing the relevant support.
Seeking support – some students may fear talking about any mental health problems. Student Mind survey, fear of talking about it.
Pack from SUSU in the mail, what do Uni send out to Freshers? Have an ‘Are you ready’ website – things you have to do before you get to uni, special requirements etc.
+ A - VPW to speak to Ellie Cawthera and Kerry Matthews, what happens if Uni disclose mental health conditions, make sure you don’t get discriminated against, all will be confidential. Need to add this to the policy.
Regular campaigns to counteract negative stereotypes from Uni – important policy from Uni mental health policy – VPW says they do not do this. Staff member no longer focuses on this.
+ A – VPW to bring mental health policy to Union council within calendar year.
VPW update on tutors – system has changed, now personal academic tutors. Meant to help on career and progress advice, can do pastoral stuff but not in their area. Standardise so that all tutors can provide the same support. Senior tutor in each faculty, meet once every six weeks to talk about issues. The Senior is the pastoral support.
Uni to make halls welfare provision 24 hour, want to spread those outside of halls as well. Trying to make more comprehensive. For All students, not just Freshers. Currently just one phone number, who is not welfare trained.
Nightline Update
Now have database through Nightline Association, rather than logbook so easier to see stats. 43 calls in total so far – been using for less than a month. 40% calls are hang-ups because they try to use it as a sex line if they hear a female on the other end. Can enter female/male – discretion of the receiver to enter this information. And can track areas of discussion.
Closed twice since Easter, problems with volunteers dropping out – not as much publicity. Now know all the contacts within Uni, ordered flyers and posters, need to figure out locations. Spoken to Chris Baker in Residences to talk at Arrivals process. Section in first pop-in newsletter and RSA who deliver will mention verbally to students. Loads of emails ignored since before Christmas saying they want to volunteer – over 50. Trained 18 people in May, could only publicise the training in Feb over Facebook, so only got 4 attending.
Shifts higher than last year, despite problems. More calls this year than last – around 350 in total. Last year around 280. Genuine calls level, lot more non-genuine. Want to introduce Instant Messenger next year, and are being given a training manual to train on Instant Messenger. Need to embed button on their website.
Biggest issue is getting volunteers to stay – better publicity will encourage this. Some do one shift and leave if they don’t receive any calls. Have to hear an emotional call before you take a practice call, then a real one before you are ‘experienced’. Most Nightlines bigger than SUSU. Technically we have 101 people volunteer but a lot have graduated; only about 15 do regular shifts.
+ A – VPW asked Luke to find stats from around the country
Residences have removed internal phones, keeping one in the reception area of halls so if someone doesn’t have a mobile. Can use Residence Support phone.
+ A – Peer support to sit on the zone, they are an equivalent service. Be a non-voting member first.
Question about Positive minds – how is it different from Peer support – Positive Minds is a six week course with a work book, successful results. Part funded by us and the Uni