University Partners with Mental Health Trust

York St John University has a strong track record of supporting the mental health of students, staff and citizens through collaboration in the community. Practice-led work and evidence-based research makes a sustained contribution to local communities by providing a distinctive approach to peoples’ experiences and perceptions of mental health and wellbeing. The University’s current initiatives, including the pioneering Converge project, benefit mental health service users from York and the wider region and our partnership work with citizens and organisations involves both staff and students. 

 

The partnership will also explore opportunities to develop world-class teaching and research facilities. The University will work closely with the Trust and collaborate to maximise the student and patient experience within the partnership, including placements for post graduate students. 

 

The partnership is already having a positive impact on students in the area. This month York St John University launched a Doctorate of Counselling Psychology, with support from TEWV. The university will annually source graduate students for the new partnership programme, who will work across various TEWV community mental health venues during their studies. Students in the programme will also be assessed by supervisors from both the university and TEWV, who will oversee student progress during mid and final placement reviews. 

 

Karen Stanton, Vice Chancellor at York St John University, said: “This partnership opens up so many exciting opportunities for both organisations. As neighbours, we have the opportunity to forge a thriving research community with the potential to generate impactful research in areas of mutual interest for the benefit of local, national and international mental health communities.” 

 

Professor Mark Edwards, Pro Vice Chancellor and Head of School of Psychological and Social Sciences at York St John University, said: “Our partnership with the Trust will also enable us to grow our academic provision beyond its current touchpoints in physiotherapy, occupational therapy and performance to include sport and exercise, psychology and STEM, along with continual professional development and consultancy activities.” 

 

Colin Martin, Chief Executive at TEWV said: “We are delighted to be working closely with York St John University. This partnership signifies the commitment of both organisations to work together and to explore opportunities, particularly in teaching and research, which will make a positive impact in York.  

 

“As a Trust we are committed to transforming mental health services in York and this partnership comes at an exciting time, with the building of the new mental health hospital now underway.

 

“York St John University has a clear focus on mental health support for students, staff and the people of York and by working together I’m sure there is a lot that can be achieved.”

 

For more information on York St John University, visit www.yorksj.ac.uk or for the TEWV visit www.tewv.nhs.uk.