Mental Health at University

There has been growing awareness around the issue of mental health at university in recent years and students are increasingly expecting good mental health support from their education providers. Unfortunately, universities do not always do enough to protect student mental health in the UK, which can have very serious consequences.

Our specialist higher education lawyers can assist with matters related to mental health in university students, including academic failure, discrimination, university disciplinary issues and withdrawal from university. We can quickly identify where there have been failings in university student support relating to mental health, then help students and their families to take action. We frequently help students who have a diagnosis of autism, ADHD, anxiety and depression.

We offer a fixed fee initial consultation with a specialist education solicitor in our team so we can understand your situation and advise on how we may be able to help. We will listen to your story, consider any documents you have and provide clear advice as to what action can be taken to help you address issues of mental health at university. Your well being is essential, to ensure you achieve your maximum potential and your long term ambitions.

We only act on behalf of students and their parents. We do all we can to ensure they receive the education to which they are entitled and are treated fairly. We do not act on behalf of universities, so you can be sure we are committed to achieving the best outcome for you.

All members of our education legal team have chosen to pursue their careers in helping young people throughout their education. We are 100% education focused. Our team only practice law in the field of education. This is what we do.

We can also assist on a wide range of other higher education law issues, as illustrated by these short case summaries.

What others say about IBB’s specialist education solicitors

“Thank you so much for all your work on this. I have heard from staff and parents that safeguarding is now a huge priority for the school so I feel that the action we took has had the desired effect.” 

“From the outset they listened and guided me through my options. I have been struck by the consistency in their process, their professionalism and empathy. Their strengths have definitely been in their willingness to collaborate with other legal professionals in order to give you the best possible chance of success. They don’t shy away from meeting online and so I really feel understood and cared for.”

“Very personal service where nothing is too much trouble. Prompt in all responses and no stone left unturned to advise thoroughly ensuring the best decision is made. Impressive high standards in all aspects of service. I can’t rate them highly enough.”

“I believe IBB Law Education Team have shown themselves to be true to their word. They have collaborated with me in terms of what to expect at each stage of my case. Their practice is transparent and open, also they are clear and concise regarding the fees.”

“The experience was excellent. I was able to sort out my issue in less than a month with the help of the team at IBB Law. Right from the beginning of contacting the firm, I was provided with all the support and communication with the team was also very smooth. I am more than happy to have contacted the firm. I would definitely recommend IBB Law to anyone that is going through a similar situation as mine.”

“IBB offer unrivalled skill and expertise when it comes to education law matters. They are very well-placed to represent students in all types of public and private law claims against universities. They also do a lot of work in the schools sector, in particular when representing parents in claims against independent schools. They are knowledgeable in the main areas of law that cut across these and associated areas of the education sector. Given their level of experience in these areas, they also have a very good practical understanding of the education sector and are geared towards achieving good practical outcomes for their clients.”

“The gold standard team for higher education work. IBB is one of my main instructing solicitors and I always feel completely confident that they will do an excellent job for the client. The cases are meticulously prepared, and they are very client-focused and practical in their approach.”

The Education Law Team at IBB is ranked by Legal 500. Legal 500 describe themselves as the leading guide to law firms and solicitors across the UK.

How our experts can help with mental health at university

Academic failure

Academic failure can be devastating, whether it is getting a lower grade than you were anticipating or even failing your course entirely. If poor mental health was a factor, it may be possible to have grades adjusted or be given the option to resit exams and resubmit coursework. However, universities do not always allow students these opportunities.

Our education law experts can assist students with challenging university decisions in relation to academic failure, helping students struggling with their mental health to have another chance at academic success.

Discrimination

In some circumstances, mental health issues can be considered a disability. In these cases, a student who is treated unfairly as a result of their mental health issues could potentially have a claim for discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.

Our team have the specialist expertise to advise on claims of discrimination in higher education, including those related to mental health in university students.

University disciplinary issues

Students struggling with their mental health can sometimes find themselves falling foul of their university’s disciplinary code. Where a student’s mental health is the reason or a contributing factor to issues that have resulted in disciplinary action, this can act as a defence or be used as grounds for an appeal.

We can advise students on their rights in relation to university disciplinary issues and help them prepare their cases. Our team can also support students who need to challenge a disciplinary decision.

We see universities failing to provide support during disciplinary proceedings. We can assist in challenging universities, to ensure that students are treated fairly, irrespective of the reason for disciplinary action.

Withdrawal from university

Many students struggling with their mental health end up withdrawing from their studies. In these cases, it can be possible for students to resume their studies at a later date, but universities can sometimes be reluctant to allow this.

If you have withdrawn from university and your university is not allowing you to resume your studies, we can advise you. It can be possible to appeal these decisions, meaning it may still be possible for you to rejoin your course.

Our student mental health advice fees

We offer a fixed fee initial consultation with a specialist education solicitor in our team to discuss your needs and see how we can help.

The initial consultation meeting is online and can be arranged by contacting our education law senior legal administrator, Rachael, on 01895 207230, our administrator Kinjal on 01895 207240 or by emailing educationteam@ibblaw.co.uk.   Rachael or Kinjal can send you a link to our online booking suite for you select a day and time convenient for you, to speak with one of our specialist education solicitors.

After your initial consultation, if you require our further assistance, we will advise you on the cost of taking further steps. We will agree the cost with you, before undertaking further work, so you are clear as to what work is to be undertaken on your behalf and the cost of that.  The cost will be determined by the nature of the issues, the complexity of the matter and the time the work will take to complete.

For more information on our education law pricing, please get in touch.

Why looking after your mental health is important at university

Poor mental health can affect students learning, wellbeing and their overall quality of life. If students’ mental health at university is not properly managed, it can seriously affect them both in the short term as well as potentially having a significant impact on the rest of their lives. Serious mental health issues can put students at risk of academic failure, self-harm and even suicide.

It is for all of these reasons that students and their families now expect high standards of support for mental health in university students. Where that support is not provided and students experience ill health as a result, it is understandable for them and their families to want to take action. We are here to help.

Common questions about mental health at university

What is mental health?

Mental health refers to people’s emotional and psychological wellbeing. People’s mental health reflects their ability to function, cope with stress, learn and work effectively, and engage socially.

How can university affect someone’s mental health?

Going to university is normally a time of significant transition, with most people moving from a home environment where they are likely to have a fair degree of support and structure, to an environment where they need to be more self-directed. New students will need to get used to challenges such as managing their own time and money, getting to grips with studying at a higher level, making new friends and redefining themselves.

All of this can put a lot of pressure on students and it is very common for students to suffer with their mental health at university. Issues such as being away from their loved ones and existing friends, struggling with their studies and academic failure can all increase the strain on students’ mental health.

As a result, issues such as anxiety and depression at university are all too common, as are a range of other mental health problems.

Can I take time off university for mental health reasons?

Taking time off from your studies due to your mental health can be a good option in some circumstances. This is something you can discuss with your university’s student support services, your personal tutor or a member of your course’s leadership team.

How can you get help for mental health at university?

If you are experiencing poor mental health at university, advice and other forms of support should be available. Your university’s student support services should be able to guide you on how to get help for your mental health and you may be able to contact university counselling services directly. You could also talk to your GP and there are various mental health services you can reach out to, including charities such as Mind and Samaritans.

Call today to discuss your case with our solicitors specialising in mental health at university

To find out more about how we can help you with student mental health legal advice, please contact our education law senior legal administrator, Rachael, on 01895 207230, Kinjal on 01895 207240 or by emailing educationteam@ibblaw.co.uk.