Global leaders in higher education unite virtually to explore beyond the student mental health crisis and the powerful influence of the crisis narrative

Many of you will have heard of the “student mental health crisis” in your work, in conversation, on campus, in the media, social media, and elsewhere.  

However, there’s so much we don’t understand about what’s driving these crises. What factors have contributed to the rise in mental health distress among students in higher ed? What defines a crisis? Could the crisis narrative be influencing the way we view and respond to the problem? 

About the webinar 

In our presentation, we will explore what lies beyond the student mental health crisis and focus on solutions for moving forward. 

Our webinar on Thursday, 5 December will be hosted by a group of global experts in the field of higher ed mental health: Advance HE, the University of Oxford, the Mental Wellbeing in Higher Education Group, the Association for University & College Counselling Center Directors  (AUCCCD) and Togetherall. 

Beyond the Student Mental Health Crisis: A Collaborative Transatlantic Webinar  

Date: Thursday, 5 December 2024  

Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM GMT | 10:00 AM –12:00 PM EST 

Click here to book your spot now! 

Renowned experts from the above organizations, representing the US, UK, and Australia, will speak to different areas of the student mental health crisis.  

Togetherall Chief Clinical Officer, Ben Locke, Ph.D., shared his thoughts about the webinar and his portion of the presentation which will cover the “crisis narrative” in the student mental health crisis. 

“The ‘crisis narrative of mental health’ is not unique to the US or North America; it exists on a global scale. The crisis narrative drives people’s understanding of the problem, institutional responses to it, and even people’s behavior and thinking. Growing our collective awareness of this narrative will improve our ability to respond effectively. 

We look forward to expanding awareness and discussion of this narrative to the UK and Ireland, as awareness is the first step in any change process. 

A special thanks to Jane Harris at the University of Oxford who initiated this collaborative event.” 

Event highlights include: 

• Welcome and Opening Remarks: Sir Tim Hitchens, President of Wolfson College, University of Oxford, and Chair of Oxford’s Student Mental Health Committee.  

• “Introducing the Crisis Narrative and its Ingredients”: Togetherall’s own Chief Clinical Officer, Ben Locke, Ph.D., will be presenting a pivotal session, in which he will discuss the root causes of today’s mental health crisis in higher education and how we can better understand and address these issues. 

• Panel Discussion on US / UK Trends: Featuring Juliette Morgan, Senior Consultant (Education) from Advance HE, and Jane Harris, Co-Director of Student Welfare and Support Services, Head of Counselling from the University of Oxford, discussing key trends, unique challenges, and collaborative solutions across the Atlantic.  

• Keynote on “The Problem with Mental Health Awareness”: Presented by Lucy Foulkes from the University of Oxford, who will explore the complexities surrounding mental health awareness efforts.  

Meet the panel:

Interested in attending our webinar? 

Click here to book your spot now! 

***Please be advised: you do not need to select “institution” from the dropdown menu before clicking “book now”; you do need to create an Advanced HE account to complete registration 

Can’t attend but have a question on this event or want to register for future events? Please contact us at marketing@togetherall.com.  

This webinar is a precursor to the in-person and virtual components of the Symposium occurring on 25 March 2025.  

Want to learn more about the Symposium in March? Click here to learn more about the in-person and virtual events next March.