I attended some new sessions which are being offered to staff across the University about the Student Wellbeing Service. As a module leader for HSS8002 which is an information skills module (part of the Graduate Research Training Programme), I sometimes get referrals or recommendations from the Student Wellbeing Service. I decided to attend the workshops in order to understand more about the support on offer, how assessments take place and to learn more about what I can do as a member of staff to ensure best practice is implemented.
The first session was a Mental Health workshop where I hoped to feel better equipped in knowing what support is available. They covered how students are given an intial appointment and where they could be signposted to the most appropriate specialised team. This is merely an assessment of their needs. These can be booked in person, by phone or via a web form and the appointment normally takes around 30 minutes.
The therapetic support can come in many forms with a range of techniques; from group therapy, online packages and one to one sessions. I was suprised by the variety of things on offer especially the online support.
The final section involved how the department can support staff, family members and other students. Again there was a strong message revolving around confidentiality however it was clear you just need to contact the service and they’ll do their best to advise or talk hypothetically around a scenario.
Session number two focused around Disability Support. I was aware of some of the terminology in terms of the assessment centre at Newcastle being called UCAN. But it was insightful to have a diagram presented about how the student can use sections on the UCAS form to declare in advance, apply for support through funding bodies such as the SFE and then attend an Assessment of Need. Understanding this process, which can be lengthy indicates how long it can be until certain support is put in place. The University does make arrangements through the Hardware Loan service and other areas to fill the gaps and provide assistance as soon as any issues are highlighted (whilst waiting for funding to come through).
The final session I attend was on Specific Learning difficulties. We started off naming conditions associated with having a disability but more importantly the impact that this might have upon someone attending University. I found the hand out associated with this exercise really useful in highlighting areas of difficulty, the effect on studying and possible solutions which could help. With a bit of audience participation we then did some practical activities involving reading from The Tortoise and the Hare, where the text had been altered in line with how someone with a visual impairement might see it. Within groups we also looked at some case studies and made some recommendations and reasonable adjustments of what could be put in place to help the “hypothetical” student.
Overall the day was really interesting and helped allay some of the fears I had about not doing the right or correct things especially when I get recommendation reports from Student Wellbeing. It was also nice to hear about how good the library was in helping with additional loans, provision of dedicated rooms and providing resources in alternative formats.
I was also suprised to learn of some of the more “social” things the service was involved in. This ranges from discussion groups, social activities and helping students to adjust as they move away from home for the first time.
As usual lots of additional help and advice on their website.
louiselib 
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