Million students have mental health problems
A conference organised by the Royal College of Nursing and the higher and further education union NAFTHE has heard that over a million students are suffering from a mental health problem.
The conference, entitled "The health and welfare of students in further and higher education", was organised to look into the ever-changing health and welfare needs of a growing student population.
Speaking to the conference, NUS Vice President for Welfare, Veronica King, also highlighted the stark figures which show that those between the ages of 18 and 24 are at a higher risk of contracting a Sexually Transmitted Infection than any other age group.
Ms King went on to say: "Health is a real priority for NUS this year, and there is a similar strength of feeling amongst our member Students' Union. Many have joined us in our campaign to raise awareness of mental health issues and are campaigning at their own institution. NUS will also highlight the complete lack of provision for treating Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs) by calling for shorter waiting times and more GUM clinics."
One cause of mental health problems can be sub-standard accommodation, with the NUS recently lobbying for a single code of standards to cover all university-owned housing.
This year it has pledged to work in partnership with outside bodies such as the RCN to ensure that student health issues remain a key policy area for the further and higher education sectors.
Send this article to a friend