Students in the Sheppard Library.
become an important part of student support services across the sector as we recognise the role of universities in the holistic development and equipping of students for life beyond higher educa- tion alongside the need for responsive and safe support.”
Designated Safeguarding Officers (DSOs)
The university has understood the need for support networks to help students and staff who are suffering with mental health issues. A number of safeguarding officers are in place across the universi- ty and these staff members are able to coordinate and deliver support where and when it is needed.
Matthew said: “We are in the fortu- nate position at Middlesex of having a well-established approach to student safeguarding. This includes a network of Designated Safeguarding Officers (DSOs) comprising volunteers from across the services and faculties, includ- ing several from Library and Student Support (LSS). This has helped to pro- vide a consistent approach to dealing with complex cases and also to embed understanding of the issues across the university.”
That network of support has been expanded as a result of Covid and its impact – not only on mental health, but also on the way students are accessing services. Lockdowns have seen face- to-face contact vastly reduced, with teaching and study shifting to virtual spaces. This has created new issues, as it becomes harder to engage. One
January-February 2022
solution for the team at Middlesex was to enlist peer support as a way of reaching out to other students. Matthew explains: “Challenges during the pandemic have arisen from both the increase in numbers of students needing support, many of our students are on the frontline of the NHS response to Covid-19 and the reduction in visibility of many cases where students are studying remotely. “We have tried to address this by employing students as a form of outreach support for other students who aren’t engag- ing for one reason or another. They phone students for a friendly chat and can direct them to expert support if necessary. “We also work closely with the Students’ Union and collaborate in response to the various types of student need, from food parcels and vouchers to mental health and safeguarding crisis, as well as enhanced offers of community to combat the impact of isolation.”
And while the shift to virtual and hybrid working led to greater isolation, there have been some positives brought about by the changes. This includes easier access to care and new partnerships, as Matthew reveals: “Working remotely has provided oppor- tunities for greater flexibility in providing counselling appointments which has resulted in reduced waiting times, fewer no-shows and positive feedback from students. It has also enabled the development of stronger working relationships with third sector organisations and NHS partnerships.”
Libraries are supportive spaces The role of the library in supporting mental health initiatives at the univer-
sity builds on a well-established tenet of libraries – that they are viewed as safe and supportive spaces. Libraries across different sectors are open, accessible and non-judgemental. Within the HE Sector they also provide crucial work space, meaning students regularly spend time in them. And while there has long been an informal supportive role for libraries in society, the work at Middlesex University is adding to that welcoming atmosphere. Matthew adds: “Libraries have an important role to play in supporting stu- dent mental health. Throughout society they are seen as supportive spaces, open to all and a hub of activity and community; and despite the proliferation of online resources many students still prefer to work and study in a library. This was especially apparent during lockdown. Students told us that not being able to access the library was one of the main things they missed. Many of our students don’t have appropriate spaces to study in at home, or can feel isolated, so knowing that the library is always there and that they can meet helpful, friendly staff is really important.
“In my experience library staff have always been interested in issues around student wellbeing and being part of a con- verged student support service provides opportunities for information sharing and working on joint projects around inclusiv- ity, safe spaces and wellbeing.”
The Wellbeing Library and Student
Success Festival As well as cultivating a supportive atmos- phere within the library, there is also work
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