DSA funded (NMH) Specialist Mental Health Mentoring

Exhale Counselling & Mentoring – Specialist Mental Health Mentoring

 

Exhale Counselling & Mentoring is a registered provider of Student Finance England (SFE) DSA-funded Specialist Mental Health Mentoring (NMH) services, offering in-person sessions for students at the following universities:

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- Essex University (Colchester and Southend campuses)  

- University Centre Colchester at Colchester Institute  

- University Centre Southend at South Essex College  

- ARU Chelmsford and Writtle campus  

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Remote mentoring is provided to students across the UK, including those studying with the Open University. 

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Specialist mental health mentor rate: £50 per hour (NMH)

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Obtaining a degree is a significant and transformative experience. It allows students to explore their chosen field of study and develop essential skills such as communication, presentation, and critical thinking. Beyond academic knowledge, it fosters confidence and lays the foundation for future professional success.

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However, university life can also present numerous challenges. According to recent data, seven out of ten students considered withdrawing from their studies in the 2021/22 academic year, with mental health concerns being a significant factor. Exhale Counselling & Mentoring is dedicated to supporting students through these difficulties, offering expert mentoring to help them remain engaged in their studies and successfully achieve their academic goals.

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With over seven years of experience in providing student support, Exhale offers a distinctive advantage. Our extensive background in counselling for sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse enables us to deliver trauma-informed, empathetic care, ensuring that students who have experienced trauma or mental health challenges receive the comprehensive support they require. We understand students' difficulties and empower them to navigate them, remain enrolled, and thrive academically. 

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Many students encounter university as their first experience of living independently. They often must navigate a complex balance of work, studies, and personal commitments. For some, this entails running a household, managing jobs, and balancing family life. Moreover, broader societal pressures such as economic uncertainty, increasing debt, and the lasting impacts of a global pandemic can heighten stress. Our mentoring services strive to ease these pressures by assisting students in developing effective strategies for managing their academic and personal lives. 

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At Exhale, we operate from a trauma-informed perspective, recognising the impact of past experiences and the complexities that students may face when seeking a diagnosis or accessing support. Our mentors are experienced in assisting students with mental health conditions, disabilities, and long-term illnesses, providing a non-judgmental, supportive environment where students can fully engage in their studies and personal development. 

 

Our comprehensive approach ensures that every student receives the personalised support they require to overcome challenges and excel in their education journey.