Mental health and wellbeing strategy

At The Open University we recognise that mental health and wellbeing impacts all aspects of our lives in terms of how we feel, function and interact with others. In recent years there has been an increase in students and staff disclosing mental health issues and we know that one in four adults will experience mental ill-health at some point in their life.

We're committed to ensuring everyone recognises that mental health is not solely related to a disability or illness. Instead, it represents a continuum in which we all live and experience fluctuating levels throughout our lives.

We believe that everyone has a responsibility for actively supporting mental health and wellbeing, whether their own or that of others. By taking a whole institution approach to mental health and wellbeing, we will work collectively to promote an informed, tolerant and inclusive culture. A culture that enables our students and staff to flourish and ensures an appreciation of mental health and wellbeing is central to all we do.

Our strategic vision

To promote an inclusive and supportive culture, underpinned by effective and timely support systems and training about mental health and wellbeing that allows our students and staff to maximise their potential and achieve success.