Supporting student health needs

The report, published by the City of York Council’s Public Health Team, identifies priority health issues faced by further and higher education students in York with recommendations for how to build on existing services. 

The report found that mental health has overtaken traditional issues such as sexual health, drugs and alcohol as the main area of concern amongst students. This insight will help service providers to ensure the appropriate services are available.

With an on-campus GP surgery, investment in excellent accommodation and continued investment in our Wellbeing Team, York St John has a positive record of ensuring students feel supported in all aspects of their education.

The key outcome from the report, that mental health was an increasing concern amongst students, demonstrates why the University has made significant investment in this area. Innovative mental health programmes such as the Building Healthy Relationships Project, drop-in wellbeing services and mental health training for frontline staff have been very successful. The daily drop in service means that York St John students can be assessed by a psychological professional the same or next day, this level of accessibility is rare.

The University has welcomed the report findings which highlight the needs of the York Student population and encourages service providers to continue investing in mental health interventions that are appropriate and accessible for students. As an educational institute, the University sees supporting the wider needs of students as an important part of enabling them to reach their academic potential. The University is keen to continue working and sharing best practice with other institutions and with health service providers to improve student access to health services, in addition to support provided by the University.

Professor Karen Stanton, Vice Chancellor of York St John University said: “We take pride in putting students at the heart of everything we do and offering them a wide range of support.

"We want to thank the group for carrying out this valuable health needs assessment report and welcome the creation of a multi-agency task group formed in line with the recommendations.

"Working in partnership with other organisations and service providers will be the best way to continue supporting student health. We look forward to building on best practice, not just for York St John students but for all students in York.”