As part of Mental Health Awareness week, Bricks & Mortar host Sarah Jackman talks to Richard Higgins and Jenna Roberts from the University College of Estate Management about the roll out this week of its new mental health strategy.

As an online course provider, UCEM has seen an increase in conversations about mental health and wellbeing over the last 18 months, with issues such as stress, anxiety and lonliness all being raised.

UCEM recognises the role it has to play in not only supporting student wellbeing, but in educating students and providing them with the skills to manage their own wellbeing when moving into the working world.

Its new strategy is intended to do just that and to provide a foundation to build on in future years. As Richard and Jenna explain, simply because its students are distance learning, doesn’t mean that they have to be distant or isolated. They recognise that they are “one big community” and that it's about supporting everyone – staff and students – to ensure that they're able to be open, supportive and well informed, despite the specific challenges that distance learning can bring.