UNIVERSITIES and higher education facilities in Wales are set to receive more than £2m in new funding to support the mental health of the students who study at the institutions.

The Welsh Labour Government will be providing £2m of new funding to support students’ health and well-being, including mental health, at Wales’ higher education institutions.

The funding has been provided to improve the support available for students and staff in higher education providers.

Institution-wide initiatives such as training staff in wellbeing and mental health awareness and promoting health information on campus should benefit from the funding, in addition to safeguarding students at risk of harm.

The funding will be allocated through the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales.

Eluned Morgan said the boost for support and care services was necessary due to the pressures and challenges that many students face.

The Labour Assembly Member representing Mid & West Wales, said: “I very much welcome this investment.

“In the same way that schools can help pupils, and employers provide services for staff, it is only right that universities are well equipped to support their large and diverse student populations.

This is particularly true in a challenging environment where the proportion of people disclosing mental health issues has significantly increased across much of the UK.

“It would be great to also see more frontline academic and non-academic staff given training on mental health, and local public services working in closer partnership with our academic institutions to provide support to pupils.

“Wales is the perfect size for universities, students, and the mental health sector to work together to make sure that every student in Wales, no matter where or how they study, is able to access the services and support they need to stay in education.”