TRIGGER WARNING: Please be aware that this podcast discusses personal experiences of self-harm and suicide.



This University Mental Health Day, we are joined by two students, Rhiannon Hawkins and Nathan Randles, to discuss student mental health and what CAMH professionals need to know.



Rhiannon currently studies Geography at the University of Oxford and Nathan is a medical student at Keele University. Both Rhiannon and Nathan are also Young Representatives for the Royal College of Psychiatrists.



Rhiannon and Nathan set the scene by providing insight into what University Mental Health Day is, why it is so important, and what the impact of the pandemic has been on student mental health.



Rhiannon and Nathan talk to us about their own personal history and experience around mental health. They discuss their own past experiences with child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), and whether this support is still available as a student. Rhiannon also explores whether there is still stigma around students using mental health services at university and why some students may not access support.



Whilst both Rhiannon and Nathan describe quite robust systems of support within their own universities, they share their views on what else universities should be doing to support the mental health of their students, what message they have for policy makers, and what mental health professionals need to know about student mental health.



Furthermore, Rhiannon and Nathan discuss what message CAMHS professionals should take from University Mental Health Day and share how CAMHS professionals can get involved.