At the University of Cumbria, we are committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where every student can thrive. Mental health and wellbeing are essential to academic success and personal development. This page provides guidance for staff on how to support students facing mental health challenges, drawing on best practices from across the sector and expert advice from charities such as Mind.
If you are concerned that a student is in immediate danger to themselves, safety is the priority. 
Please contact Emergency Services: 999
If the student is not in immediate danger, but you identify one or more of the following - suicidal thoughts/intent, self-harm, eating disorder, unusual behaviour, missing student with disclosed mental health diagnosis- please raise a cause for concern’ using the Student Enquiry Point Online Form (StEP).
Guidance on support services available, managing mental health disclosures and the use of the Student Enquiry Point when supporting students. See the guide below.
Visit the Mental Health & Wellbeing MyCumbria page for links and support.
We subscribe to Togetherall, an online community with resources, information and advice.
The Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub has support for students' mental health, physical health and digital wellbeing. You can also find out about events near you and the networks available.
For a handy PDF document detailing the Mental Health & Wellbeing support available for students, please click the image.
Students may experience a range of pressures—academic, social, financial, or personal—that can impact their mental health. Be alert to signs such as:
If something feels “not quite right,” trust your instincts and reach out to the Student Services Mental Health and Wellbeing Team.
Approaching a student about their wellbeing can feel daunting, but showing care and concern can make a significant difference. Here are some tips:
Remember, you don’t need to have all the answers—just being there matters.
As a staff member, your role is to:
Avoid offering counselling unless you are trained to do so. Instead, refer students to professional services.
Encourage students to access:
In urgent situations (e.g., risk of harm), call the emergency services on 999.
We encourage all staff to:
Mind offers a wealth of resources tailored to students, including:
Visit Mind’s Student Mental Health Hub for more.
Supporting student mental health is a shared responsibility. By being proactive, compassionate, and informed, you can play a vital role in helping students navigate challenges and succeed.
If you’re ever unsure, reach out to our Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Team at need2talk@cumbria.ac.uk.
