New, free e-learning training launched to support student mental health

SUNMENTORS responds to the increasing need for staff to recognise and respond to student wellbeing concerns. In particular, it addresses anxiety and depression, which continue to be among the most common challenges faced by young people in higher education.

Led by Helen Payne, Professor in Psychotherapy at the University of Hertfordshire, and co‑created with universities across Europe, the programme was developed through the Erasmus+ funded SUNMENTORS project.

A self‑paced e‑learning course taking approximately 4–5 hours to complete, the SUNMENTORS programme aims to increase awareness of mental health, stigma, and inclusive support practices within higher education, while offering practical tools, approaches and training tools for supporting student mental health.

All training materials –including the online platform, handbook, and policy resources –are freely available to access and download via the SUNMENTORS project website.

Professor Helen Payne said the training arrives at a crucial time for staff across UK universities:

“Teaching staff are increasingly on the front line when it comes to spotting early signs of distress in students. SUNMENTORS gives them the confidence and knowledge to respond compassionately and effectively.

“We would encourage all colleagues across higher education  to explore the training and share it within their networks so more staff can benefit from the resources we’ve created.”

For more information and access to SUNMENTORS, visit: https://sunmentors.eu

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash