The purpose of this Code of Practice is to provide a coherent across College approach by ensuring:
- The College’s role and responsibilities are clear with respect to supporting the needs of students experiencing mental health difficulties
- The College does not discriminate academically or socially against any student, or prospective student, because of mental health difficulties
- All students with mental health difficulties are positively encouraged to declare their condition.
- Students experiencing mental health difficulty at any stage during their studies are given the best possible support to enable them to complete their academic work successfully
- The College demonstrates its commitment to recruiting and retaining students with mental health difficulties
- Positive mental wellbeing is promoted individually and socially through mental health promotion.
The objective of this code of practice is to help those involved with students in the following ways:
- How to recognise mental health difficulties
- Suggest how to handle such difficulties in terms of the student’s mental wellbeing and academic performance
- Provide information on relevant support agencies
The term “mental health difficulties” covers 3 broad categories:
- Temporary reactions to a painful event, stress or external pressures
- Symptoms of drug or alcohol abuse, lack of sleep, psychological reactions to physical illness and somatisation (those whose mental health difficulties present with physical symptoms).
- Enduring psychiatric conditions that have significant effects on an individual’s functioning