Four in five LGBT students say they are struggling due to lack of help at university
Nearly one in two trans students tried to take their own life
By Steve Brown
Four in five young LGBT students in the UK admitted they are struggling because they aren’t getting help from their university.
According to new research from Student Minds, the results of the LGBTQ+ Student Mental Health study found that LGBT+ students need more support that is ‘inclusive and culturally competent.
In the UK, LGB adults admitted they are more likely to face mental health woes and are also more likely to have a lower well-being in comparison to straight people.
Shocking, nearly one in two trans people try to take their own life.
More than a quarter of students (28 per cent) don’t feel engaged in their university’s LGBT+ community and more than half also feel unable to engage with the community.
Co-author of the Student Minds report Dominic Smithies told Gay Star News: “Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community is an important factor in helping individuals build their resilience.”
The report reveals that nine in 10 want their university to provide a peer support programme for LGBT+ students and many have called for universities to prioritise help for these societies.
John de Pury, mental health policy lead at Universities UK, said: “As part of a whole university approach to mental health, it’s important that universities identify, engage with and support vulnerable minority groups, including LGBTQ+ students and staff.
“In addition to culturally competent student support services, peer support groups are a good way of encouraging inclusivity and building communities.
“Universities see mental health as a priority and partnership. Working with students and staff is vital if we are to help everyone to thrive.”