FAQs for parents, carers and guardians

At Student Minds we recognise that for a parent, the transition of a child from school to university, can be a significant challenge.
​We are often approached by parents looking for further information on how they can best support their child, and have captured some of the most frequently asked questions below.

How can I best support my child from a distance?

Caring for your child at home is probably what you are most comfortable with and it can be easy to revert to this if your child begins to struggle. If things do become a challenge, rather than suggesting that your child returns home, we would encourage you to take some time to consider what would really be the best outcome for them. Encouraging your child to stay at university and make use of available support can be an important developmental step, alongside being available when a phone call or visit home is needed.

US based activeminds.org have a useful step guide to help you think about how to support your child with their transition to university. Suggestions include creating a regular time to keep in touch with each other and checking in on your child's self care (eating, sleeping, exercising etc.), as well as having a plan just in case things become to difficult to manage. Take a look at the full 7 steps here.

What support can my child access at university and in the wider community?

​Our 'support at your university' pages give information about Student Minds' peer support programmes that run on campus across a number of universities. You will also find information about services available at your child's university and organisations that offer support for specific difficulties.

What support can I get as a parent?​

Young Minds Parents Helpline is available to offer advice to anyone worried about a child or young person under 25.  Available Mon-Fri from 9:30am to 4pm (Freephone) 0808 802 5544

Our 'support for a friend' page, although not specific to parents, may contain information that is useful to you.

What if my child has to leave or interrupt their studies? ​

• Firstly, we hope to provide some reassurance by letting you know that many students take the decision to transfer courses or university or take some time out, and this can be a really good decision. The main priority will be working with your son/daughter to decide what will be the best thing for them. It is worth taking a look at our support page as it covers a wide range of questions your child may have.
• When students are thinking of taking time out, their primary contact is often their tutor. Encourage your child to have a conversation with their tutor, let them know about the difficulties they are facing and to discuss options. You may find that there may be some support and adjustments that could be put in place with the aim to support them to continue their studies.
• Your child could be entitled to a range of adjustments as mental health difficulties are included under disability in the Equality Act. Your child could also be entitled to different adjustments if they decide to attend a different university.  The university's counselling service or mental health advisors (who you can call) should be able to discuss the possibilities as well as helping to put things in place. This link to the University Mental Health Advisors Network student leaflet has really useful advice for students looking for support at university.
• If following conversations your child and their tutor come to the decision that taking some time out will be the best thing for them, the tutor will be able to guide them through the process, this varies from university to university.
• It may also be useful to speak to the Student Advice Centre within the Students’ Union. They can provide independent advice as they are separate to the university and will be able to give more information on the institutions policies and procedures around transferring, taking time out, and the support and adjustments available within the university.  
• If your child decides transferring universities may be the best option, there is some info about transferring universities here.
• Also, our Further Support page on our website may be of use in terms of identifying other support options.

My child is unhappy with their university accommodation and I am worried about the effect this is having on their wellbeing 

Unfortunately we are not in a position to give advice on individual situations but we would really encourage your child to speak to the Advice team at their university who can provide independent advice and support. We would also encourage you to check-in with your child to see how they are doing as the situation and solutions are explored.

You may also find it useful to take a look at our finance resource page if this issue is leading to any financial worries.

I want to raise money/ do something to honour my late child

Any donation will make a huge difference to the betterment of student mental health. While some of our projects are funded directly by universities, much of our work relies on grants and donations. Your contribution will make a real impact and we are very grateful that this is something you are considering.

​Please do get in touch directly and we can have a chat with you about what may be most fitting. ​