Students at several UK universities, including Nottingham and King's College London, report inadequate mental health support services. Imogen, a Nottingham student, describes feeling "thrown between services," while Leacsaidh criticizes the "one-size-fits-all" approach. Jana, a King's College London student, experienced delays in implementing necessary academic adjustments due to clerical errors. These experiences highlight broader concerns about the capacity and effectiveness of university mental health services, especially considering the quadrupling of students reporting mental health conditions between 2013-14 and 2023-24, according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). While universities like Nottingham and Manchester cite increased investment and training initiatives, concerns remain about the training of personal tutors, the complexity of the support system, and the appropriate level of responsibility universities should bear. The case of Natasha Abrahart, a Bristol University student who died by suicide, further emphasizes the urgency of the issue and the ongoing debate about universities' duty of care.

The rising number of students reporting mental health issues, coupled with inconsistent support services and long NHS waiting times, creates a complex challenge for universities. While increased investment is noted, questions persist regarding the adequacy of current support systems, training, and collaboration with NHS services. The legal responsibility of universities in providing mental health support remains a key area of contention.

Impact Statement: The increasing number of students experiencing mental health challenges and the reported shortcomings of university support services necessitate a review of current practices and a broader discussion on the role of universities in student wellbeing.