Mental Health Advisor

The role of the MHA is to provide support, advice and guidance to students experiencing complex or enduring mental health problems, as well as providing information and advice to staff across the Colleges and University in relation to student mental health.

The MHA is able to offer:

Mental health assessments including suicide risk assessment.

If a student requires a mental health assessment the MHA will arrange to see the student either in College or at the UCS.

Crisis intervention and crisis management

The MHA can offer a quick response to students who are experiencing acute mental health difficulties. In some cases students may be offered short-term support until the crisis has resolved or until other specialist support services are accessed. In other situations the MHA will be able to help others to manage the student’s mental health crisis and to co-ordinate services.

Support for students

Students can be offered time-limited MHA support. For a minority of students who have complex or enduring mental health problems, the MHA can offer ongoing support.

Liaison with GP’s, Mental Health Services, Disability Resource Centre.

Whenever necessary the MHA will refer students to other agencies for specialist support. The MHA will maintain close links with all professionals involved in supporting the student to ensure continuity of care as well as acting as a liaison between services.

Advice to college staff about student mental health problems

University and College staff such as Senior Tutors, tutors, College nurses and chaplains can contact the MHA directly to discuss any student mental health concerns or to arrange a mental health assessment.

Out of term-time availability

The MHA is available for advice or student support throughout the year during normal office hours.

Support assessments for returning degraded students

The MHA can offer re-entry meetings to students who have degraded on mental health grounds. The MHA will assess the student’s mental health progress whilst they have been away from College and establish their support needs for their return into residence. The MHA will then advise College staff on what provisions need to be in place for the student to successfully continue with their studies.

Supporting evidence for the Applications Committee

The MHA can provide letters for the applications committee giving information on a student’s mental health.

Contacting the MHA

Juliet Bristow is available Monday – Friday 9-5 pm and can be contacted directly by staff via email on jb732@cam.ac.uk or by phone on 01223 (7)68566.

Confidentiality

Students will be asked for their written consent to convey information on a ‘need to know’ basis. If a student chooses not to provide their consent then it may limit the level of support that can be offered. Confidentiality may be breached without consent when there are serious grounds for concern about a student’s well-being, health or safety.