There are more first-year students living in University catered accommodation than in any other type. Pastoral support for students in University catered accommodation is provided by Wardens and Residential Advisors.
All Residential Advisors are provided with training on student mental health issues, which includes training from the University’s Mental Health Advisory Team
Residential Advisors are often the first to become aware of students in difficulties, either because students disclose problems themselves or, more frequently, because friends or other students become concerned about worrying behaviour or alarmed by crisis situations and ask for help. Residential Advisors inform their warden immediately when they suspect that a student is experiencing mental health difficulties.
In serious /crisis situations the warden will inform the Head of Student Services so that appropriate support can be provided for the student and appropriate links made with the student’s academic department and with specialist services.
The warden must be aware of the strain that this can put on the residential advisor and ensure that appropriate support is made available.
Wardens and residential advisors play a key role in supporting students who are experiencing mental health difficulties. However, they also play a valuable role in supporting friends of students who are experiencing mental health difficulties as they too can often be affected and may need additional support from Student Services.
Further information on University Accommodation is available on the Accommodation website.