Sai Shraddha Suresh Viswanathan, the president of the National Union of Students (NUS) Scotland, recently emphasized the urgent need for ringfenced funding for student mental health services in Scotland. According to Viswanathan, many students, especially those from working class and international backgrounds, have been significantly impacted by the ongoing mental health crisis at universities.
She highlighted the profound effects of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis on student mental health, with certain groups like working class students, migrants, care-experienced students, and other vulnerable groups facing additional challenges. Due to the lack of consistent funding from the government, there has been little improvement in conditions for students, leading to a decline in mental health among various student populations.
In response to these concerns, Viswanathan launched a campaign called ‘Save our Counsellors’ in the spring of 2023, urging the Scottish Government to reverse funding cuts to student mental health services. As a result of the campaign, the government allocated a transitional fund of £3.21 million to assist institutions in supporting their mental wellbeing schemes. While this temporary measure was appreciated, Viswanathan stressed the need for permanent funding to address the ongoing crisis in student mental health.
She advocated for a shift towards permanent funding rather than year-by-year contributions to ensure that students have access to the necessary support services. Viswanathan emphasized the importance of ringfenced finances for sustainable change and highlighted the limitations of relying solely on mental health first aid training.
Furthermore, she warned that a lack of funding could lead to job losses for professionals working in mental health services, such as counsellors and therapists. With financial instability at Holyrood and significant budget cuts announced, there is a growing concern about the future of student mental health services in Scotland.
Despite the challenges, a spokesperson for the Scottish Government defended its work on mental health and highlighted the investments made to support student mental health and wellbeing in colleges and universities. The recent publication of the Student Mental Health Action Plan aims to improve access to preventative services and public resources for students.
In conclusion, Viswanathan’s call for ringfenced funding for student mental health services reflects a critical need to prioritize the mental wellbeing of students in Scotland. Sustainable financial support is essential to address the growing crisis in student mental health and ensure that all students have access to the necessary resources and support services.
