As universities across Europe work to create more inclusive and supportive learning environments, the (WP2) of our project plays a key role in setting the groundwork for long-term change. This part of the project focuses on two main objectives: exchanging good practices in student mental health support, and identifying the real needs of students and teaching staff. Led by the University of Hertfordshire, WP2 began with a kick-off event featuring insights from the UK’s University Mental Health Charter and the organization Student Minds. This provided a strong foundation for project partners to reflect on existing approaches and explore how similar strategies could be adapted in their own institutions.

A central element of WP2 is a series of workshops held at each partner university. These small, focused sessions bring together students and teaching staff to discuss the challenges they face when it comes to mental health in higher education. The first workshop engages students with experience of anxiety or depression; the second gathers perspectives from teaching staff; and the third brings both groups together to reflect on findings and explore common ground. These conversations are crucial for uncovering what kind of support is truly needed and what a strategic mental health framework could look like at each university.

The outcomes of these activities are both practical and far-reaching. Each partner university will produce a report summarizing key findings from their workshops, and the partner will compile these into a joint summary report. This report will serve as the foundation for the next phases of the project, including the development of a staff training curriculum, a digital learning platform, and broader mental health strategies for universities. By starting with a clear picture of what’s already working and what’s needed, WP2 ensures that the project’s future outputs are both evidence-based and relevant.

WP2 also demonstrates a commitment to cost-effective implementation. Activities take place on campus, use existing resources and networks, and involve only the necessary staff time—ensuring that funding is used responsibly without compromising on quality. Most importantly, this work package ensures that the voices of students and staff are at the heart of the project, guiding our efforts to improve mental health support in higher education across Europe.