University recognised for progress on mental health and wellbeing
London South Bank University (LSBU) has been formally recognised for its commitment to student and staff mental health after receiving an Award in Progress as part of the University Mental Health Charter Award programme.
The award follows a rigorous assessment process led by Student Minds, the UK’s student mental health charity, which included a detailed self‑assessment, a student-led report and an on-site visit involving staff and students from across the University.
The outcome confirms that LSBU is making strong, sustainable progress towards embedding a whole‑university approach to mental health and wellbeing and is firmly on track to achieve the full Charter Award.
In its outcome report, Student Minds praised the University’s strategic direction and leadership commitment, noting that LSBU has developed a clear understanding of its diverse student body and the pressures many students face alongside study. The report recognised that this awareness is reflected in the University’s tailored and inclusive approach to wellbeing support and service design, including how mental health and disability support are developed together through shared governance and student‑led design.
The report also highlighted the University’s strong engagement with student voice, joined‑up institutional strategy and examples of innovative and sector‑leading work. This includes LSBU’s work with disabled students, where the University is developing its mental health and disability approaches in tandem to ensure systems are inclusive, accessible and shaped by lived experience.
The Award in Progress status means the Student Minds assessment team is confident LSBU can meet the remaining conditions required for the full award within 12 months. These are focused on strengthening consistency and evaluation in key areas and supporting continued improvement, rather than requiring fundamental changes in approach.
Alongside its progress under the University Mental Health Charter, LSBU has also been recognised for its leadership in disability inclusion. The University was one of the first in the sector, alongside the University of Greenwich, to publish its Disabled Students Commitment (DCS), placing student voice and transparency at the centre of how disability support is governed and delivered.
Lisa Hellawell, Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy Manager at LSBU, said: “This recognition from Student Minds is an important moment for LSBU. Achieving Award in Progress confirms that our whole‑university approach to mental health and wellbeing is moving in the right direction and that the work being carried out by staff and students across the institution is having real impact.
“We are proud of the progress we’ve made, particularly in listening to student voice and responding to the needs of our diverse community, and we are committed to building on this over the next year as we work towards full Charter Award status.”
Professor Tony Moss, Pro Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience at LSBU and a member of the Department for Education’s Higher Education Access and Participation Task and Finish Group, said: “This recognition from Student Minds reinforces our belief that improving mental health and wellbeing is fundamental to access, participation and student success.
"At LSBU, we have been intentional in developing our education, mental health and disability strategies in tandem, with strong governance and student voice at their core. The Award in Progress reflects not only the progress we have made, but our commitment to sustained, evidence-informed improvement that supports all students to thrive.”
The University Mental Health Charter Award is regarded as one of the most robust and developmental frameworks in UK higher education, supporting universities to reflect on practice, identify areas for growth and embed long-term cultural change. LSBU will now work closely with Student Minds over the coming year to complete a light touch resubmission demonstrating how the remaining conditions have been met, with the aim of securing the full award.