The University of Westminster has celebrated the successful completion of its inaugural Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Advocate Programme, a five-month initiative that brought together four paid students to work in partnership with colleagues to help shape future developments in mental health, wellbeing and the wider student experience.
Funded through Talent Bank, the programme enabled Adri Dhanandini Abeysekera, Temi Afolabi, Tanya Afshin and Leandra Wilson-Patrick to lead student research, facilitate focus groups and develop recommendations informed by the lived experiences of Westminster students. Their work culminated in a report containing evidence-informed recommendations, alongside a draft Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Guide and the Wellness Wheel, which will help inform future developments to student support and the wider student experience across the University.
Developed by Kristy Robinson, Interim Head of Student Support and Residential Life, the programme placed meaningful student partnership at its heart. Rather than simply seeking feedback, the Advocates worked alongside colleagues throughout the project, helping to identify priorities, interpret findings and develop practical recommendations. This collaborative approach reflects the University's commitment to authentic student voice and meaningful co-production, while supporting its work towards the University Mental Health Charter and a whole-university approach to mental health and wellbeing.
Building on the success of this first cohort, the University hopes to recruit a new group of Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Advocates during the 2026/27 academic year, continuing to place student partnership and co-production at the heart of future developments in student mental health and wellbeing.
Reflecting on the programme, one Advocate said: "Kristy maintained a genuinely welcoming environment from the start. She made it clear that our ideas were valued, not because we were fulfilling a checklist, but because she actually wanted to hear what we thought. That meant when we had doubts about decisions, we felt safe voicing them. When we disagreed with something institutional, she didn't shut that down—she engaged with it thoughtfully."
Another Advocate added: "Because of how amazing the environment was, I learned I could have opinions and advocate for them in professional environments without fear of being dismissed. I learned that confidence in speaking up, and not second guessing my perspective, has value. It's going to shape how I show up professionally."
Looking ahead, another Advocate reflected on the wider impact of the programme. They said: "Students deeply appreciate when the University listens and acts on their feedback. Strengthening communication, building belonging and making processes easier to navigate will have a significant impact on wellbeing. The Advocate Programme shows how powerful co-production can be. Continuing to embed student voice across decisions will help create a more supportive, connected and mentally healthy university environment."
Kristy Robinson, Interim Head of Student Support and Residential Life, said: "I couldn't be prouder of what our inaugural Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Advocates have achieved. Their insight, creativity and commitment have left a lasting contribution that will help shape future developments in student mental health and wellbeing at Westminster. I'm grateful to Talent Bank for funding the programme and making these paid opportunities possible. I hope this is the first of many Advocate cohorts as we continue our work towards the University Mental Health Charter, ensuring student voice remains central to shaping mental health and wellbeing at Westminster."
This initiative directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Wellbeing. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about student wellbeing support at the University of Westminster.
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