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Picture

University Challenge

Integrating Care for Eating Disorders At Home And At University

University Challenge was a research project undertaken in 2013 to assess the impact of university transitions on access to treatment for students with eating disorders. The report involved engaging students, professionals and other key stakeholders in exploring the challenges students face. The research has shown that NHS services are not adapted to the transient nature of student life and that there is little targeted support for the specific needs of students. 

​The launch of our ‘Transitions Campaign’
Although our research initially focused on eating disorders, through our consultation process we have found that the same issues apply to students accessing support for any mental or physical health problem. In particular, the provision of care for students does not follow commissioning guidelines, which state that transient populations should receive the same level of care as permanent patients. Whilst there are examples of best practice in some cities, a postcode lottery for student support exists and students in many parts of the UK are facing particular problems in accessing support services. Recognising this we launched a campaign calling on the Department of Health to fill the gaps in student mental health support. 

Read the full report below which includes quotes from some of the many students, professionals and parents surveyed during the research process.

Download the full University Challenge Report

Key findings

Moving to university
Moving to university involves moving away from established support networks, yet it can take months for a new referral to a specialist eating disorder service to be processed. As such, even those who have been recently discharged from specialist inpatient or day-patient services may spend their first months at university with no access to specialist support. Of the professionals surveyed, 96% felt that students do not get specialist care as quickly as they would like and the average wait for an appointment with a specialist service is 5 months. 

Accessing support at home and at university
Another key area of concern is the impact of repeatedly moving between home and university support services. Of the professionals surveyed, 92% felt that a student’s treatment was negatively affected by these transitions. Moving between services results in additional paperwork and poor access to patient records, as well as disrupting the development of therapeutic relationships. 83% of students had problems accessing support from their home GP and many reported being refused access to specialist services ranging from blood tests to psychological support whilst registered as a temporary patient. This is despite clear NHS guidance that makes provision for the funding of care for temporary residents [Commissioning Development Directorate ‘Who Pays?’ guidance, 2013].
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  • About
    • What we do >
      • Our strategy
      • Our impact
    • Our team >
      • Trustees
      • Clinical Advisors
      • Student Advisors
    • Our supporters
  • Find Support
    • Support for me >
      • Our Peer Support Programmes >
        • Thrive
        • Our confidentiality commitment
        • Support for specific difficulties
      • Support at your university and further
      • University staff-run workshops
      • Student stories
    • Support for a friend >
      • Starting a conversation
      • Looking after yourself
    • Support for parents
    • Cost of living
    • Resources >
      • Men’s Mental Health
      • The Wellbeing Thesis
      • Transitions >
        • Transition into University
        • Know Before You Go
        • Transitions for staff
      • Starting University
      • Exam stress
      • LGBTQ+
      • Looking after your mental wellbeing
      • Year Abroad
      • Student finance
      • Support through a family health crisis
  • Get Involved
    • Student volunteering >
      • Charter Student Resources
      • University Mental Health Day
      • Write for us
      • Peer support groups >
        • Apply to be a peer support facilitator
        • Set up a peer support group
    • Charter
    • Students’ Unions >
      • Mentally Healthy SUs Framework
      • Introduction to Student Mental Health Online
      • Campaigning and Creating Positive Change
  • Training
    • Look After Your Mate >
      • Look After Your Mate Online
    • Mental Health in Sport >
      • Mental Health in Sport Online
    • Accommodation Providers
  • News and Publications
    • Latest news
    • Research and publications >
      • Reports >
        • Climate change and student mental health
        • Part-time, distance learner and commuter students
        • International Students
        • Life in a Pandemic
        • Supporting Students with Eating Disorders
        • The Role of an Academic
        • LGBTQ+ Research​
        • Student Voices
        • Graduate Wellbeing
        • Grand Challenges
        • University Peer Support
        • University Challenge
        • Looking After a Mate
        • Summary of HEFCE’s Report
      • Consultation Responses
      • Insight Briefings >
        • Student Mental Health in a Pandemic >
          • Life in a pandemic: Wave II findings
      • Student Advisory Committee Reflections
      • Good practice guides >
        • Co-producing Mental Health Initiatives With Student Volunteers
        • Podcasting About Mental Health
        • Co-producing mental health strategies with students
        • Student Living
        • Supporting Male Student Mental Health
        • Materials and resources
  • Support Us
    • Donate >
      • Online shopping
      • Payroll giving
      • Universities
    • Fundraise >
      • 10/10 Challenge
      • Plan Your Own Event
      • RAGs and Student Societies
      • Celebrate with Student Minds
      • Challenge Events
      • Paying in money
      • Fundraising Resources
    • Corporate Partners