Following a rigorous assessment, we are among the first 15 universities in the country to achieve the University Mental Health Charter (UMHC) Award.

The Award is given to members of the UMHC Programme that demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement in the area of mental health and wellbeing for the entire university community.

The Assessment Team commended the University’s approach in a range of areas, highlighting that they were impressed by “the tailored induction support for students from diverse backgrounds which focuses on their unique needs” and “the ambition and the considerable range of work being done, and in development, to support good staff wellbeing and good workplace conditions.” They also praised “the support provided by the University to establish staff and student networks, to provide a community to different groups and consider EDI issues” and its “commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity for staff and students in both academic and social spheres.”

Among other recent milestones at Bath:

  • we now have 57 Staff Wellbeing Champions across the University

  • 8 Department Wellbeing Action Plans were created in collaboration with 931 colleagues in 2023-24

  • 845 colleagues have completed Student Support & Safeguarding’s Pastoral Support training

  • 87.6% of Bath students who completed the National Student Survey 2024 were aware of our university mental health services

  • a new sensory room in the Library to provide a quiet, sensory friendly space on campus

Professor Cassie Wilson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience), said: “I am absolutely delighted that the University has joined a select group of institutions that have received a UMHC Award.

“There is a high bar to achieve this recognition and this demonstrates our long-term commitment to promoting good mental health and wellbeing for our entire University community. This is not the end of the process and there is a lot more work that can be done, but I’d like to thank all those members of our community who have worked incredibly hard to get to this point.”

A strong commitment to mental health and wellbeing is an important part of our University Strategy, primarily under the Community pillar. The University offers free and confidential 24 hr counselling services to staff and immediate family, and in the last couple of weeks a refurbishment of the Student Support centre in the Roper Centre was completed, as the new academic year begins.

At Bath, our whole-institution approach to mental health and wellbeing falls under Be Well which is led by Professor Wilson, and Professor Jane White, Vice-President (Community & Inclusion). Look out for our latest update on Be Well at Bath on World Mental Health Day, Thursday 10 October, including how our community can get involved.

Professor White said: “I’d like to join Cassie in thanking and congratulating everyone in our University community on this terrific achievement.

“Having taken up my responsibilities for Community and Inclusion earlier this year I have been really impressed by the passion and commitment of so many people here when it comes to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of all members of our University community.”

Benjamin Orford Thompson, Community Officer at the SU, added: “It is amazing to see the University being recognised on a national level for the support it gives to its students. The SU is proud that the University does not view this award as an end, but rather a commitment to improving the areas that shape mental health.

“I would like to personally thank everyone that has been a part of this journey, from students to staff your work does not go unnoticed.”