USW is proud to launch its Well-being and Health Strategy, on ‘Time to Talk Day’, the UK’s biggest mental health conversation.

In recent years, UK government policy shifted towards an explicit expectation that universities will make student health and well-being a strategic priority.

In Wales, the Welsh Government and Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) have been proactive with advice and support to foster healthy and thriving higher education environments.

It is within these contexts, and the development of the USW 2030 Strategy, that our attention turned to the development of this strategy to ensure the well-being and health of our students, colleagues, and wider community remains at the heart of what we do so they can reach their potential, be successful and enjoy their time at and engagement with USW.

We have five pillars of action that inform delivery of the strategy:

• Leadership
• Information
• Inclusivity
• Research and Innovation
• Partnerships

Today’s launch is just the beginning. Cross-University working groups, including student representation, have been established with the purpose of working towards the strategy’s vision, purpose, and aims.

Vice-Chancellor, Dr Ben Calvert, said: “At USW, we know that the well-being and health of our community is fundamentally important in enabling people to engage, perform and flourish as individuals and collectively within teams in the pursuit of our strategic goals. We are committed, as demonstrated within this strategy, to an inclusive, proactive, and values-based approach to well-being and health, integrated across all areas to provide the best possible support, experience and outcomes for our students, colleagues and wider community.”

It is vitally important that colleagues and student take the time to engage with the Well-being and Health Strategy. If you have any comments, questions or feedback please contact Anthony Davies, Wellbeing, Health, & Safeguarding Development Manager.