We hear from our brilliant Student Services Teams to mark World Mental Health Day

To mark World Mental Health Day, which falls on October 10th every year, we sat down with our three Student Services Teams to discuss the variety of ways in which they support our students during their time at Screen and Film School.

We know that starting a degree course in a new city is an exciting time, but it also comes with a range of new challenges. From having to manage paying rent and bills for the first time, to making new friends and balancing a healthy social life, whilst undertaking a rigorous degree programme. It’s a lot of new things to experience and can at times feel quite overwhelming. From enrolment to graduation our experienced Student Services Teams offer personalised advice and guidance to help you with those challenges; whatever they may be.

World Mental Health Day was the perfect reason for us to sit down with three representatives from our three schools. For 30 years now, this important day has existed to make sure that mental health is treated on a par with people’s physical health. Recognised by the World Health Organisation, World Mental Health Day is also a chance to talk about mental health in general, how all of us need to look after it, and how important it is to talk about things and get help if you are struggling. On that note, let’s talk to team members from our three cities, in alphabetical order.

Up first is Screen and Film School Birmingham:

“It can be a scary time starting at a new degree course, whilst also potentially moving away from home and living with people other than your family for the very first time. We’re here to ensure that you don’t have to go through these important milestones alone. We’re here to help you with everything related to pastoral care, right the way from fresher’s week through to graduation.

During those early months, we’re on hand with accommodation support, putting you in touch with extra study support and even introducing you to other students by recommending a range of social groups.

The Student Services Team at Screen and Film School Birmingham can provide support on a wide range of issues, from financial hardship to pastoral concerns. We know that face-to-face appointments are not for everyone and that’s why we also offer appointments by phone, online or in-person. We can offer a safe place to talk about anything that might be worrying you and we can also refer you to services like Togetherall, Kooth or perhaps counselling where needed.”

Samantha Ellis- Screen and Film School Birmingham

From Birmingham, we’re now moving all the way south to hear from Screen and Film School Brighton:

“Here in Brighton, the Student Support Team works hard to make sure students have access to the support they need to succeed throughout their studies. We aim to provide a safe space so that students can explore their own personal development in a warm and supportive environment. They can come and talk to us for many reasons such as if they are having a difficult time, feeling stressed or anxious, struggling with attendance, have been diagnosed with a support need such as dyslexia, ASD, ADHD or mental and physical health issues, or anything else that impacts their university or personal life on a day-to-day basis. We will work with students to help them build the confidence and resilience to deal with life’s challenges.

All students can email us to be booked in for a one-to-one tutorial session or can drop by for a quick chat. For students needing further help we also offer a counselling service or can help put them in touch with specialised local support agencies. No matter what the situation, the team are here to support students in reaching their goals. If we don’t have the answer, we will help them to find someone who does. We’re not here to judge and we will always be honest and treat any issues sensitively and fairly. Our message is: please don’t be shy, we are a friendly team who are here to help!

We also aim to bring awareness and start discussions around important issues by delivering workshops to staff and students. Similarly, we will be hosting Peer Support Groups, encouraging students to come together in a safe inclusive space to support each other’s mental health and discuss issues which affect them such as, grief, sexual health, eating disorders, LGBTQ+ issues, addiction, and disability.”

Catherine Howard- Screen and Film School Brighton

Finally, here is a message from Screen and Film School Manchester:

“As part of the Screen and Film School Manchester Access and Participation Team, we recognise that students who are underrepresented in our university cohort require extra support as they transition into higher education. Moving to a new city has many challenges for everyone, but particularly for these students, who are more likely to feel out of place and isolated. By encouraging a sense of community around these individuals, we can strive to make the Film School a more wholesome and inclusive space.

We’re extremely excited to begin work with Black Students Talk, an organisation that supports black students’ mental health and wellbeing during their time at university. Providing workshops on empowerment, exploring a sense of belonging in a new environment, relationship advice, and a plethora of other mental health resources for students to feel that they are seen and heard. Working with organisations such as Black People Talk is extremely beneficial for us as we take steps to prioritise student mental health and we are actively looking for further companies to partner up with and to extend this across other underrepresented groups.”

Clara Thomas- Screen and Film School Manchester

Thank you to the Student Services Teams from our three schools. It was important for us to take some time to mark World Mental Health Day by giving a platform to these extremely vital faculties within the Film School. They are always there to listen to our students, so it was important for us to listen and to share their messages too.