AMOSSHE, The Student Services Organisation welcomes the launch of the University Mental Health Charter and its approach of defining key principles of good practice to improve staff and student mental health and wellbeing.

As part of the steering group for the charter, AMOSSHE worked closely with Students Minds and colleagues across the UK higher education sector to help shape the development of charter, and AMOSSHE members across the country have contributed their expertise and research, making this a truly sector-wide collaborative effort.

Jayne Aldridge, Chair of AMOSSHE said: “The introduction of this critical document signals an important step in supporting the wellbeing of everyone who studies or works within UK higher education.”

AMOSSHE's strategy as a professional association for Student Services leaders closely aligns to the vision of the charter: to enable higher education providers to continue to promote the mental health and wellbeing of all members of the university community. AMOSSHE aims to nurture a collaborative, skilled, passionate and empowered movement of Student Services leaders and partners to deliver innovative, impactful, world-class services that are proven to enhance the holistic experience and enable student and institutional success. The University Mental Health Charter will be a key tool to help achieve that vision, especially with its focus on students and staff alike.

Now that the charter is available for the sector to utilise, AMOSSHE will work with Student Services professionals to explore how to engage effectively with the key principles and resources. Representatives from Student Minds are leading a workshop to develop how Student Services can work with the charter at AMOSSHE's Winter Conference in February 2020.