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Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the expenditure by universities in Northern Ireland on mental health and well-being services for their students has risen considerably.
Data obtained through Freedom of Information requests shows that the funds allocated have risen by over 40% on average since 2020.
This encompasses the yearly sum allocated for wages, wellness programs, and counseling services.
The mental health advocate for Northern Ireland praised the boost in funding but emphasized the need for coordination with government-funded services.
Professor Siobhan O'Neill noted that entering university typically aligns with the age when many common mental health conditions initially appear.
She attributed the rise in reported cases of poor mental health among students to factors such as "heightened financial and social stress," along with "diminished shame and a readiness to seek assistance."
"International students and those from marginalized communities, including Black and ethnic minority students, disabled students, and LGBT+ students, face greater risks," she noted.
Ms. O'Neill stated that the heightened expenditure on mental health services underscores the acknowledgment of offering prompt access to psychological assistance for students facing difficulties. This ensures that students can maximize their benefits from tertiary education and minimize the likelihood of dropping out.
Nevertheless, the advocate for mental health emphasized that this assistance should be coupled with enhancements in official mental health services.
For instance, a project connecting university and statutory services within the Belfast Trust has proven highly successful; however, it should also be implemented in other regions across Northern Ireland.
St Mary's: 85% increase
St Mary's University College in Belfast has experienced the largest growth, with expenditures climbing by 85.5%, from £124,927 in the 2019/20 academic year to £231,691 in the 2023/24 period.
The organization mentioned that it had secured twice the extra funding from the Department of Education's Step-Up Project, receiving £50,000 in 2023/24 which increased to £100,000 for the period 2024/25.
The university spokesperson further stated that this funding was utilized to enhance student well-being through individual mentoring sessions and counseling services.
Stranmillis: 62% increase
Over the span of five years, Stranmillis University College experienced a 62% increase in their figure, which grew from £55,043 in 2020 to £89,208 in 2024.
The statement indicated that they provided a complimentary and private counseling service exclusively for students with permanent staff available. Additionally, they mentioned having an experienced occupational health nurse present at the location.
"The college staff maintain an 'open door' policy, encouraging students to reach out and talk about concerns they have," the university further stated.
QUB: 52% increase
The expenditure on mental health services at Queen's University Belfast increased by 52%, rising from £931,615 in the 2019/20 academic year to £1,417,539 in the 2023/24 period.
The institution also mentioned that throughout the academic year, an extensive array of integrated mental health activities and programs were available for students.
Ulster University: 32%
The expenditure at Ulster University for mental health services rose by 32%, jumping from £1,916,528 during the 2019/20 academic year to £2,535,553 in the 2023/24 period.
The institution was reported to encourage positive mental health and wellness programs for all students through its student well-being team, providing them with access to outside counseling services as well.
I couldn't handle it
Dara Doyle, a 21-year-old third-year psychology student at Queen's University Belfast, mentioned that she initially sought assistance in 2023.
He mentioned that he couldn't handle the stress from the workload assigned to him.
"I was working part time and quite long hours away from the university and I was having a lot of social isolation. I wasn't feeling myself and knew I needed to talk to someone to make a plan to get back to being myself."
Dara mentioned that he utilized a drop-in service and subsequently received an offer for six counseling sessions along with periodic follow-up appointments with his wellness support coordinator.
He sensed that young men were still hesitant when it came to discussing their mental well-being.
They are attempting to appear resilient and keep all the pieces aligned. There is a societal perspective that judges you when you express your difficulties by saying, ‘actually, I’m really having a hard time.’
'Significant change'
Caroline Young, who serves as the vice president for students and corporate services at Queen's University Belfast, noted that due to the pandemic, there has been "a considerable shift in the type of support required for younger individuals."
She mentioned that some people experience anxiety due to the transition into university life, whereas others might be dealing with "possibly far more serious underlying issues or circumstances."
Queen's provides online assistance, a daily walk-in service, and individual counseling sessions.
She stated that she doesn't anticipate it disappearing.
Our aim is to provide numerous avenues for students to learn how to manage and enhance their personal well-being.
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