Teaching Staff and Student Perceptions of Staff Support for Student Mental Health: A University Case Study

Background: There are significant concerns for student mental health in higher education. New factors affect health, and campus counselling services overwhelmed. Struggling students turn to ideally placed familiar teaching staff support. This qualitative study, conducted an East of England university, aimed explore perceptions support offered by grappling with their health. It is unique, combining both perceptions, many which overlapped. Methods: A thematic analysis was in-depth, semi-structured interviews a small number self-selecting staff/students. Findings (results): Staff felt inadequate several aspects, agreed give useful suggestions preferred Conclusions: cautiously established that training literacy (knowledge, skills, attributes, understanding) required. Specific recommended pastoral care personal tutors pedagogy on professional programmes. Finally, needed when supporting poor Such can be integrated into preventative, university-wide, holistic policy commensurate the University Mental Health Charter. Embedding such supportive practice curriculum preferable add-on and/or interventions.