Two charities share one goal to support university students

Six online guides designed to support students taking the step of starting university have been launched jointly by Charlie Waller and the Charlie Watkins Foundation.

Leaving home for the first time is a big step in a young person’s life, especially those who have little or no experience of being away from their families and friends. The university transition guides aim to support students from a wide range of backgrounds at a time in their lives when some can be vulnerable to mental health problems.

The guides focus on six themes: young carers, diversity and inclusivity and not fitting in, care leavers, international students, those with adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and LGBTQ+ students.

They have been written specifically for each of these vulnerable groups with a particular focus on those who may have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The free resources also provide helpful tips and links applicable to each group.

Like the Charlie Waller Trust, the Charlie Watkins Foundation has its origins in wanting to remember the life of a much-loved young man – in this case, 22-year-old Charlie Watkins who tragically took his own life in 2017.

Clare Stafford, our chief executive, said: “Even at the best of times, the transition from school or college to university can be challenging to the mental wellbeing of vulnerable young people, whilst also being a very exciting experience.

“This year, the potential for anxiety is even greater, following all the difficulties of the pandemic, interrupted learning and cancelled exams.

“We hope these new guides will be valuable in helping students to look after their mental wellbeing, to cope with challenges to their mental health and to seek further help should they need it.”

Harry Watkins, twin brother of Charlie Watkins and co-founder of the Charlie Watkins Foundation said: “Leaving home for the first time is such a huge step in any young person’s life, let alone someone who is in a vulnerable group.

“It’s so important to us that we continue working with charities whose goals are aligned with ours: to support young people who might be struggling with their own mental health challenges.”

The transition guides have been kindly funded by donations to the Charlie Watkins Foundation.

Browse the guides here.