With the rise in mental health problems in adults, the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group has taken an important step to enhance its student support services by launching mental health support platform, TalkCampus.

According to Mind, only one in three adults with a common mental health problem are currently getting treatment in the form of talking therapies, medication or both.

To support its students across its three Colleges, the Group has launched TalkCampus, an online and global community of students who support each other through their daily struggles, all within a clinically safeguarded environment.

At the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, we want to create a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for our learners. The launch of TalkCampus will enhance our current student mental health and wellbeing services, providing a platform where our students can express themselves in their own language and within their own time. What’s so great about the platform is that our students can access it 24/7, and it’s moderated by trained peer supporters, meaning it’s a safe and anonymous space where they can talk confidentially and get the support they need.

As part of the service, the Group has chosen to add peer support which provides instant and ongoing communication, wherever a student may be.

A 2023 survey found that since using TalkCampus, 86% of students find it easier to ask for help when they need it and 79% find it easier to cope with life.

The launch of TalkCampus comes at a pivotal time, as we welcome hundreds of adult learners across the district to start their academic journeys with us. Starting in or re-entering education can be an exciting experience, but it can also be incredibly daunting and TalkCampus provides a safe space where people can share their struggles with those who may be experiencing something similar, reminding them that they’re not alone. This is ideal for our adult learners whose time in College may be limited, or those who carry out their qualifications fully online, ensuring they are supported both personally and academically.

Learners can also speak to the Group’s Student Wellbeing Officers about any problems they have in or outside of College, as well as accessing pastoral support and counselling services.

Both TalkCampus and the Group’s mental health and wellbeing services can be used by the Group’s wide range of adult learners, from degree-level students to part-time learners and those studying online courses.

Learn more about the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group’s adult provision, at: