Since its launch in 2022, the partnership between Student Roost (the UK’s
third-largest PBSA provider) and Chasing The Stigma (highly appraised
mental health charity) has been gratefully acknowledged. The partners have
called upon sector leaders to provide mental health support for students
through their new #BehindEveryDoor campaign.
According to
pbsanews.co.uk
, “the #BehindEveryDoor campaign gives access to over 14,000 tailored,
local mental health support services…”
Such services are advertised via QR codes that are pasted onto posters on
every bedroom door within Student Roost properties.
By scanning, charities, organisations and student services in the area will
be highlighted by Chasing The Stigma’s ‘Hub of Hope’ platform, along with
advice on a range of topics including specific mental health issues,
loneliness, financial distress and addiction.
Pbsanews.co.uk says that so far 5,000 scans of the QR code have occurred,
as well as 782 recorded searches between September and November from the
23,000 students residing with Student Roost. From these searches, the most
prevalent concerns were anxiety (21%), depression (14%), and student
support (9.5%).
When is the platform used the most?
The beginning of the academic year seems to be the most challenging time of
the year for students, as this is when many move away from home for the
first time and experience new beginnings.
Meeting new people, starting a new course, moving to a new city and living
somewhere different can be extremely overwhelming. Hence why “74% of the
traffic” occurs in September.
Biggest concerns this year amongst students
This year so far, with the
cost-of-living crisis
having an impact on student’s ability to gain stable income and their
ability to afford expenses, there has been a noticeable increase in searches
for financial support.
The majority of scans for financial advice (47.5%) coming from students in
Nottingham.
Meanwhile, support for anxiety and depression remains the most frequently
searched for each year, with student residents in Belfast (17%) and Bath
(15%) having the highest concerns for anxiety.
Pledging to help students
In an effort to ensure all students can receive this support, the
partnership of the campaign is urging leaders in student accommodation and
higher education to make a pledge towards helping students with their
mental health.
Lowri Edwards, Resident Wellbeing Manager at Student Roost says, “Student
wellbeing should be a shared priority, no matter where a student calls
home, and working alongside our colleagues in the industry is essential in
driving meaningful, lasting change.
“Making the pledge will make a difference, offering a lifeline in moments
of struggle and ensuring no student feels alone.”
