To ensure we were engaging stakeholders across the sector and creating opportunities to share good practice and learn from diverse experiences, we undertook a range of promotional and engagement activities.
This included a range of face to face and online events, including guidance webinars, panel discussions, PPD days, and academic conferences. Further to this, for more informal opportunities for collaboration, we developed a regular schedule of online discussion groups which met to discuss common concerns and research interests, and also developed a podcast series to amplify the voices of students themselves within all these discussions.
You can find out more about all of these below, including details on how to 'catch up' with any past content and information about how some of these activities will be continuing after SMaRteN's formal conclusion - so take a look and consider getting involved yourself!
This included a range of face to face and online events, including guidance webinars, panel discussions, PPD days, and academic conferences. Further to this, for more informal opportunities for collaboration, we developed a regular schedule of online discussion groups which met to discuss common concerns and research interests, and also developed a podcast series to amplify the voices of students themselves within all these discussions.
You can find out more about all of these below, including details on how to 'catch up' with any past content and information about how some of these activities will be continuing after SMaRteN's formal conclusion - so take a look and consider getting involved yourself!
Events
Many of our events were held online, in part because of the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also because this allowed us to engage and include stakeholders across the UK in a more accessible medium. This also means that we were able to record most of our sessions and so you can watch these back on our YouTube channel.
One of our particularly significant face to face events was our large scale academic conference, which brought the SMaRteN community together as part of an End of Project Showcase shining a spotlight on our research finding and facilitating future opportunities for collaboration. Our Showcase activities addressed 4 key themes:
Theme 1 - Conceptualising and measuring student mental health and wellbeing
Theme 2 - Supporting transitions to university
Theme 3 - Addressing academic culture
Theme 4 - Engaging underrepresented groups and sector stakeholders
In the run up to the face to face day, we held online webinars addressing each aspect above.
These webinars, along with a full recording of the conference day, can be found online too.
One of our particularly significant face to face events was our large scale academic conference, which brought the SMaRteN community together as part of an End of Project Showcase shining a spotlight on our research finding and facilitating future opportunities for collaboration. Our Showcase activities addressed 4 key themes:
Theme 1 - Conceptualising and measuring student mental health and wellbeing
Theme 2 - Supporting transitions to university
Theme 3 - Addressing academic culture
Theme 4 - Engaging underrepresented groups and sector stakeholders
In the run up to the face to face day, we held online webinars addressing each aspect above.
These webinars, along with a full recording of the conference day, can be found online too.
Discussion Groups
Our regular discussion groups were really important to us. They created important opportunities for knowledge exchange, but in a friendly and engaging online space. We are absolutely thrilled that, because of the dedication and passion of our online SMaRteN community many of these groups will continue to meet regularly even once the central SMaRteN project has concluded.
Find out more below!
Find out more below!
Education for mental health special interest group
There are monthly webinars that take place on a Wednesday each month from 10AM – 11 AM.
The Education for Mental Health special interest group (EMH SIG) was set up in June 2020 as part of the Education for Mental Health Project. This project involved developing an online toolkit for university teaching staff outlining strategies to support student wellbeing within the curriculum (more information: https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/knowledge-hub/education-mental-health-toolkit).
The EMH SIG has been a wonderful extension of the project and has continued despite the project coming to an end. It has built an international network will colleagues joining from all over the UK, Ireland, France, US, Australia and Canada, including researchers, PhD students, practitioners, wellbeing services staff, and teaching staff. The aim of the sessions is to share research and experiences of supporting university student wellbeing through the curriculum.
Often these practices support both learning and wellbeing.
To join the group please email [email protected]
The Education for Mental Health special interest group (EMH SIG) was set up in June 2020 as part of the Education for Mental Health Project. This project involved developing an online toolkit for university teaching staff outlining strategies to support student wellbeing within the curriculum (more information: https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/knowledge-hub/education-mental-health-toolkit).
The EMH SIG has been a wonderful extension of the project and has continued despite the project coming to an end. It has built an international network will colleagues joining from all over the UK, Ireland, France, US, Australia and Canada, including researchers, PhD students, practitioners, wellbeing services staff, and teaching staff. The aim of the sessions is to share research and experiences of supporting university student wellbeing through the curriculum.
Often these practices support both learning and wellbeing.
To join the group please email [email protected]
VIRTUAL LAB GROUP FOR EARLY CAREER RESEARCHERS
These sessions take place through Google Meet, once a month on a Wednesday at either 11am or 3pm.
The ECR Group was established as part of SMaRteN’s funding commitment to engage early career researchers, interdisciplinary work, and find novel approaches to student mental health. It serves as a supportive, community environment where ECRs can discuss their own work and challenges, and find out more about good practice and ways of working and this is why it will continue to run even after SMaRteN’s conclusion.
Within the line up of speakers, the aim of presentations has been to highlight emerging research related to student mental health but also give context to some of the broader themes and movements being identified within the mental health research landscape more generally. For example, sessions specifically around representation, collaboration and academic culture. The schedule also regularly features PPD sessions on topics such as tips on future funding applications, overcoming research challenges, developing inclusive and accessible research projects, and managing individual wellbeing as an ECR. Further to this, there are opportunities to discuss your own work and seek guidance and support from the rest of the community.
You can find out more online here. If you would like to join the group please register for their mailing list here, to be sent the details and joining instructions for upcoming sessions.
The ECR Group was established as part of SMaRteN’s funding commitment to engage early career researchers, interdisciplinary work, and find novel approaches to student mental health. It serves as a supportive, community environment where ECRs can discuss their own work and challenges, and find out more about good practice and ways of working and this is why it will continue to run even after SMaRteN’s conclusion.
Within the line up of speakers, the aim of presentations has been to highlight emerging research related to student mental health but also give context to some of the broader themes and movements being identified within the mental health research landscape more generally. For example, sessions specifically around representation, collaboration and academic culture. The schedule also regularly features PPD sessions on topics such as tips on future funding applications, overcoming research challenges, developing inclusive and accessible research projects, and managing individual wellbeing as an ECR. Further to this, there are opportunities to discuss your own work and seek guidance and support from the rest of the community.
You can find out more online here. If you would like to join the group please register for their mailing list here, to be sent the details and joining instructions for upcoming sessions.
MEASURING MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-being in students special interest group
Are you interested in how mental health, and well-being, are defined and measured in university students? Do you think this is important to improve the quality of research on student mental health and well-being? Come along to this SIG on measuring mental health and well-being! They meet monthly with a schedule of invited speakers, journal clubs, and vibrant discussion on topics including:
The challenges of defining mental health and well-being, including how students and those working in universities understand these terms
Understanding the determinants of mental health and well-being in students
Improving how we measure mental health and well-being in students
The next session will be agreed by circulation with the group so please email [email protected] and [email protected] to find out more and be added.
The challenges of defining mental health and well-being, including how students and those working in universities understand these terms
Understanding the determinants of mental health and well-being in students
Improving how we measure mental health and well-being in students
The next session will be agreed by circulation with the group so please email [email protected] and [email protected] to find out more and be added.
SCOTSMaRT
|
ScotSMART: Fostering Student Mental Health in Scotland
We are thrilled to introduce you to ScotSMART, a research network dedicated to enhancing student mental health throughout Scotland. In a world where mental well-being is more important than ever, ScotSMART is committed to driving positive change and fostering a supportive environment where students, academics and practitioners come together. This group was formed by a group of previous SMaRteN funding recipients who wanted to create a space to specifically address student mental health and wellbeing within the context of the Scottish HE system. We are really proud that this SMaRteN 'spin out' will continue to generate important learning and raise the profile of student mental health within the sector. |
Discover ScotSMART:
Are you curious to learn more about ScotSMART and how it's making a difference in student mental health? Look no further! You can find comprehensive information about ScotSMART, its mission, initiatives, and resources by visiting our official website at: https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/scotsmart/
Stay Tuned for Upcoming Events:
Mark your calendars and get ready to participate in a series of exciting events hosted by ScotSMART, starting September 2023 and continuing onwards. Whether it's interactive workshops, informative webinars, or inspiring panel discussions, these events promise to empower you with valuable knowledge and strategies.
How to Stay Connected:
Stay updated and engaged with ScotSMART by following them on social media platforms. Posts will keep you informed about the latest happenings, research findings, and opportunities for involvement.
PhD Student Mental Health Special Interest Group
Chaired by Dr Trish Jackman, one of our funded SMaRteN researchers, this group met bi-monthly and attracted an international audience of academics, researchers, and postgraduate students themselves. Together, the group would hear from invited guest speakers about research and pilot interventions specifically addressing the mental health needs and concerns of PhD Students.
Currently, there are no plans for this group to meet regularly in the future, but you can read all about the Dr Jackman's work in this area and her co-designed, evidence-based toolkit 'Developing Supportive Doctoral Inductions' online. This link provides a wealth of resources to help you consider practice in this area and Trish will also update this page with any relevent sessions and events in future.
Currently, there are no plans for this group to meet regularly in the future, but you can read all about the Dr Jackman's work in this area and her co-designed, evidence-based toolkit 'Developing Supportive Doctoral Inductions' online. This link provides a wealth of resources to help you consider practice in this area and Trish will also update this page with any relevent sessions and events in future.
Podcast
Keeping Students in Mind: Understanding Student Mental Health Research
At SMaRteN we funded a wide range of innovative and exciting projects around student mental health and wellbeing. These research projects covered a variety of important themes and approaches, including developing new tools to help us understand and measure student priorities and interventions deigned to provide support. Central to all of our research was the student voice, with students being valued co-producers across all of our research.
We wanted to ensure that the outputs and findings from research were making their way back to the student population; that we were effectively engaging with students and ensuring they steered the conversation around where student mental health needs to go next.
This is why we partnered with the All Things Mental Health podcast team to develop a collaborative student podcast series. We created 2 brilliant series and a special 'one-off reunion' episode, featuring a diverse and passionate group of student hosts. This was a paid training and development opportunity for students, where we worked with them to create a podcast episode shining a spotlight on an area of student mental health important to them. It created an opportunity for thoughtful dialogue between students and SMaRteN researchers and we hope has broad appeal for all those concerned about student mental heath and wellbeing.
You can listen to all of the past episodes on Spotify.
We wanted to ensure that the outputs and findings from research were making their way back to the student population; that we were effectively engaging with students and ensuring they steered the conversation around where student mental health needs to go next.
This is why we partnered with the All Things Mental Health podcast team to develop a collaborative student podcast series. We created 2 brilliant series and a special 'one-off reunion' episode, featuring a diverse and passionate group of student hosts. This was a paid training and development opportunity for students, where we worked with them to create a podcast episode shining a spotlight on an area of student mental health important to them. It created an opportunity for thoughtful dialogue between students and SMaRteN researchers and we hope has broad appeal for all those concerned about student mental heath and wellbeing.
You can listen to all of the past episodes on Spotify.
Our project partners, All Things Mental Health will continue to work in this area even after the SMaRteN project has concluded. Follow them on social media to keep up to date with their activities and find out about future opportunities to get involved. They also regularly post about other relevent projects and resources for students on their instagram.
'What Works for Student Wellbeing?'
In 2022 we partnered in a new consortium led by TASO the Centre for Transforming Access and Student Outcomes in Higher Education and including What Works Wellbeing, Universities UK, Student Minds and AMOSSHE on an OfS (Office for Students) funded project to develop a new online hub which collates evidence from mental health research to provide universities and colleges with guidance and resources to support student mental health.
A key aspect of our involvement was working the embed our research findings and case studies from our network members, shining a spotlight on good practice across the UK including initiatives such as changes to service provision, innovation around peer mentoring or peer assisted learning, support for mental health crises, adaptation of academic processes or support for academics to adapt their approach to teaching.
The toolkit will be launched towards the end of 2023 and the project webpage gives further details about progress and ways to engage.
A key aspect of our involvement was working the embed our research findings and case studies from our network members, shining a spotlight on good practice across the UK including initiatives such as changes to service provision, innovation around peer mentoring or peer assisted learning, support for mental health crises, adaptation of academic processes or support for academics to adapt their approach to teaching.
The toolkit will be launched towards the end of 2023 and the project webpage gives further details about progress and ways to engage.
Mental Health Research Matters Campaign
When SMaRteN was first launched in 2018, this was part of a bigger ESRC funded project to develop a group of mental health research networks, each addressing a specific area of mental health and wellbeing impacting the UK population.
Supporting the work of the networks was a broader campaign 'Mental Health Research Matters' and, at the end of 2022, the networks all came together as part of an online campaign to highlight research developments but to also shine a spotlight on the importance of valuing lived experience and getting everyone engaged in conversations around mental health.
SMaRteN were delighted to take part in the campaign by featuring a number of online webinars and were proud of our researchers and student groups who contributed their voices.
You can find out more about the campaign, including reading its impact report, and learn more about the work of all of the research networks on the Mental Health Research Matters campaign website.
Supporting the work of the networks was a broader campaign 'Mental Health Research Matters' and, at the end of 2022, the networks all came together as part of an online campaign to highlight research developments but to also shine a spotlight on the importance of valuing lived experience and getting everyone engaged in conversations around mental health.
SMaRteN were delighted to take part in the campaign by featuring a number of online webinars and were proud of our researchers and student groups who contributed their voices.
You can find out more about the campaign, including reading its impact report, and learn more about the work of all of the research networks on the Mental Health Research Matters campaign website.
