Back Back

University Hosts 'Mental Health in Higher Education – Surviving and Thriving' Conference

14/03/2025
Clare Dickens, Dr Rachel Morgan-Guthrie, Dr Ruth Shiner, Dr Clare Dickens MBE, Dr Robert Abrahart, Lisa Millar

On Wednesday 12 March 2025, the University of Wolverhampton proudly hosted the Mental Health in Higher Education – Surviving and Thriving conference, bringing together academic leaders, professional service teams, and students to advance the conversation on mental health within the university community. 

Organised alongside the University’s participation in the Student Minds Mental Health Charter programme, the conference served as a platform to promote awareness, assess current initiatives, and inspire a collective commitment to further improving mental health support.

In addition to University of Wolverhampton attendees, guests included members of the City of Wolverhampton Council, and the offices of Labour MP Warinder Juss.  

Dr. Clare Dickens MBE, Director of Student Life, emphasised the importance of uniting various stakeholders to share insights and experiences, stating: “The conference attendees reflect who we are as a university – from heads of school and professional service leads to Deans, Associate Deans, and academic colleagues. It is important we continue to work together as we do. University mental health is everyone's responsibility and indeed everyone’s right.”

Mental Health Conference 2025 view from the audience looking on to the stage where Dr Clare Dickens presents

The conference was designed to explore current sector practices and legal challenges, moving beyond traditional communication methods to provide a deeply impactful experience. Hearing from families who have actively lobbied for change, as well as students directly engaged in mental health initiatives, underscored the university’s commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment. 

The event featured powerful keynote sessions that resonated with attendees. A key takeaway from the conference was the central role of students in shaping the University’s mental health initiatives. The Wellbeing Champions were recognised for their meaningful contributions, while Film Studies students documented the entire event with professionalism. Additionally, a third-year Primary Education student, Emily, shared her personal experiences, highlighting how the design of her course which includes placements, has been the key to feeling supported and to her success.

During the conference, Dr. Robert Abrahart, a retired university lecturer and lead campaigner for Forthe100, delivered an emotional and thought-provoking talk titled “Take One for the Team”, sharing key learnings from the legal battle following the tragic suicide of his daughter, Natasha Abrahart, a second-year physics student at the University of Bristol.

Reflecting on the event, Dr. Dickens remarked, “Our students really are our greatest asset. When we take care of them, they pay that forward into the communities in which our own families live and work, and beyond.” 

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.