Nic Streatfield

«I am the Director of Student Life and Wellbeing at the University of York. My professional background is in psychotherapy and I worked in university counselling services as a Cognitive Analytical Therapist. I have a BA (Hons) in Peace Studies and a MA in Counselling. I now manage a wide range of student support services.»

Our 60 seconds interview with Nic:

Could you please tell us what work you do in the field of mental health?

I represented AMOSSHE on national committees working on student mental health and have contributed chapters to the books ‘Student Mental Health and Wellbeing in HE’ and Preventing and responding to suicide in FE and HE’. I also contributed to UUK’s 2022 Suicide Safer guidance on postvention. I am also a University Mental Health Charter assessor.

What do you find most rewarding and inspiring in this work?

When working as a psychotherapist being able to see individual; student’s manage their difficulties to succeed in their degree was very rewarding. Now I am in a leadership role, the purpose is to create systems to both help students respond when they are struggling with their mental health and to create processes and cultures that encourage positive mental health. My main inspiration is observing how resilient students are in dealing with intense difficulties yet still achieving their academic potential.

What is the most challenging or complicated aspect of this work?

The underinvestment in NHS mental health services, particularly for young people, has meant universities have had to take on more support in this area. The complexity of the student issues continues to rise exponentially which puts pressure on staff and further blurs the boundaries of what a higher educational institution is expected to provide for mental ill health.

What impact do you hope your work is having - or can potentially have?

It is absolutely the case that student support teams help students to stay on and complete their degrees which brings greater life opportunities for the student.

Could you share with us one piece of advice that you follow for your own mental health?

I find exercise to be a really helpful activity to help me manage. I vary the exercise I do and will always have at least two outside activities which allows me to also connect with nature.