Earlier this year 18 professionals and representatives from across the higher education sector held a discussion on the topic, which was later summarised in the new report. The participants included Alan Percy, Head of Counselling at the University of Oxford, Julian Robinson, Director of Estates at London School of Economics and Fleur Priest-Stephens, Policy Lead & Programme Manager for Welfare at the National Union of Students, together with construction professionals and student accommodation operators.
Galliford Try and global architectural and interior design practice Scott Brownrigg launched the report, which delivers a 10-point manifesto to spark a debate around how accommodation design and construction methods can help create buildings that have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing, with environments and contexts that enable students to thrive.
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This paper focuses on connection and community, affordability and the importance of achieving the right balance between private spaces and communal areas where students can interact.
Claire Jackson, Education Director for Galliford Try, commented: "I have always been a strong believer that the built environment has a major part to play in promoting mental health and wellbeing, particularly for young people. The discussions we have had around the table and since putting this report together have been exceptionally positive and I hope that the people who take time to read what we say can gain a real benefit from it."
Ian Pratt, Education Director at Scott Brownrigg said: "The number of higher education students who have taken their own lives over recent years is deeply shocking and over the last decade, there's been a five-fold increase in the proportion of students presenting mental health problems. This is what motivated us to consider the impact that student accommodation environments might have in the context of the Universities UK 'Steps for Change' initiative. I hope this report will help all those responsible for student homes to consider more fully the positive impact that briefing, design, operation and management decisions can have upon student mental health and wellbeing."
Read the full report on the Galliford Try website here.
