Student Minds recognised for their impact supporting university student mental health at 2017 GSK Impact Awards

Last week, Student Minds received one of ten 2017 GSK IMPACT Awards, a prestigious national award presented by GSK and The King's Fund which recognises excellence in charities improving health and wellbeing in their communities. As part of the award a new video about the work of Student Minds has been created, highlighting the different reasons why students may seek support and the invaluable work the charity does to improve mental health in universities around the UK.

Norman Lamb, MP North Norfolk, has been an ongoing supporter of the charity and features in the video:
“Student Minds has grown from a very small beginning to an organisation now that works in collaboration with Universities UK, has links to over 100 universities across the country and has extraordinary credibility.”

In the video we also hear from Alex, a student who attended a Student Minds peer support group at Oxford Brookes University:
“These are people just like you. They’re there for you and if you want to talk something through, you can and there are no barriers”

Alex has experienced first-hand the range of academic, financial and social pressures faced by students, which has led to growing concerns over the state of student mental health. An estimated three-quarters of lifetime mental illness begins by the time people are in their mid-twenties, making it particularly important that young people receive the care and support they need.

Student Minds CEO Rosie receiving the award at the Science Museum ceremony ​Rosie Tressler, Chief Executive of Student Minds, said:
"We’re thrilled to receive this GSK IMPACT Award, which recognises the importance of our work and the fantastic contribution made by our volunteers. Last week we had the enriching experience of attending the King’s Fund leadership programme for award winners. We are already we are feeling the benefits of their expertise and look forward to putting this into practice. The award will help us develop as an organisation and continue delivering support for students in the future."

The award includes a grant of £30,000 to support the Student Minds’ growth and leadership training programme as well as production of the video about the charity. Watch the video to learn about Student Minds’ work: transforming the state of student mental health so all in higher education can thrive.

Interested in getting involved in Student Minds’ work? Contact them at [email protected].