UCL joins new University Mental Health Charter Programme

UCL is delighted to be among the first universities to join the University Mental Health Charter Programme, demonstrating our commitment to making mental health a university-wide priority. Published in 2019, the Charter framework provides a set of evidence-informed principles to support universities across the UK in prioritising staff and student mental health. UCL was selected to be part of the first cohort of UK universities to join the programme, and is now eligible to work towards the Charter Award, an accreditation scheme for universities that demonstrate excellent practice in mental health. Among other principles, the Charter lays out details of how to create effective support services alongside an environment and culture that promote good mental health for the whole university community. It also addresses areas such learning, teaching and assessment, social integration and belonging, and the physical environment. The Charter was developed by the UK's student mental health charity, Student Minds, and is supported by a number of enabling themes from Universities UK's Mentally Healthy Universities model. UCL's progress towards the Charter requirements will be led by Professor Anthony David, Director of UCL's Institute of Mental Health, and will be supported by the Student Support and Wellbeing group.