Student accommodation providers are uniquely placed to support student mental health and wellbeing, according the British Property Federation.
The BPF has published a guide examining the impact that purpose-built student accommodation has on mental health and wellbeing.
It said the sector is “at the nexus of academic, domestic and social lives” and is responsible for creating “safe and supportive environments”.
The BPF’s Student Wellbeing guide provides a self-assessment tool, legal requirements and best practice policies for student accommodation providers.
It advises on frontline staff training, recommending active listening communicating, mental health first aid and signposting techniques to support students.
The BPF also said providers must implement wellbeing policies to ensure co-ordinated cohesive responses and suggests a proactive package of wellbeing initiatives, including social activities and health and wellbeing information.
Universities minister Chris Skidmore said: “It is important for frontline staff to be able to spot the early warning signs of distress and direct students to help, but it is also crucial they are equipped to respond to incidents where problems do escalate.”
Melanie Leech, chief executive at the BPF, highlighted the stresses that many individuals experience when leaving home to go to university.
She said: “Accommodation providers have a role to play in ensuring this transition is as smooth as possible, and that the place students call home is safe and enables them to make the most of their time at university.”
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