Supporting the Wellbeing of Students

The University is committed to the wellbeing of its students. Arrangements to ensure that individuals can access support are set out below.

Students can face a number of challenges and difficulties while they are at University, and this can sometimes lead to concerns about their wellbeing. Indicators of personal difficulty and distress vary greatly, and some indicative examples are set out below. 

If you are concerned about a student’s wellbeing or behaviour, you should contact your Head of School or Faculty Student Support Manager who will assist in the referral of the student to more specialist support services (such as the Student Counselling and Wellbeing Service).  If your concern is about a student in University-owned or managed accommodation, you should contact the residence warden or the University’s Accommodation Manager.  In some cases it may be helpful to review the student’s situation;  relevant expertise from around the University will be brought together to identify the best way to support the individual.

Indicators of concern

As mentioned above, there is no single way to determine whether an individual is encountering difficulties, but some indicators might be: 

• Continuous low mood or sadness.
• Feeling constantly ‘on edge’.
• Expressing feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
• Having suicidal thoughts or thoughts about self-harm.
• Substantive changes in appearance.
• Moving or speaking more slowly than usual.
• Making decisions or saying things that are out of character, including use of unacceptable, anti-social or extremist language.
• Expressing hatred or gross intolerance of particular groups of people.
• Threatening violence against themselves or others (including terrorism-related).
• Changes in appetite or weight.
• Sleeping more than usual or being unable to sleep.
• Lack of concentration on everyday things like reading the paper or watching television, or neglecting hobbies and interests.
• Changes in their pattern of attendance on programme-related activities.
• Avoiding contact with friends and taking part in fewer social activities.
• Friends, family or others expressing concern about an individual’s actions or behaviour.
• Behaviour contrary to normal expectations, or shared values within society.

It is not your responsibility to make a precise determination or to challenge another member of the University, but you should refer the matter or seek further advice if you believe that you have justified cause for concern.

Further advice

Further advice about the University’s arrangements in this area is available 

For Students: studentinfo@leeds.ac.uk 

For Staff: Chris Warrington, Head of Student Support

0113 34 34075;  c.j.warrington@adm.leeds.ac.uk

Information is also available on staff mental health support.