Aglaia Freccero, a PhD student at Imperial College London joined the royal for an intimate discussion on mental health in UK Higher Education.

The meeting held on the 28 February discussed how UK universities can meaningfully support all students’ mental health, as part of Student Mental Health Week 2024.

Aglaia Freccero, who is studying for a PhD in Clinical Medicine Research (Department of Brain Sciences) at Imperial College London, joined HRH Princess Beatrice, online learning platform Chegg, Student Minds, the Mental Health Foundation, and Big Change, for an intimate dialogue how UK higher education can promote student mental health, taking into account their unique needs and circumstances, including those of neurodiverse learners.

Student Mental Health Week 2024 is a global initiative spearheaded by US edtech company Chegg, in partnership with esteemed non-profits and organisations from around the world.

"This discussion was an important reminder that listening to student voices is essential if we are to enact policies to meaningfully support mental health in higher education." Aglaia Freccero Department of Brain Sciences

Aglaia Freccero attended the event as a member of Student Minds’ Student Advisory Committee. A passionate and award-winning mental health advocate, she currently holds the position of Mental Health Officer at Imperial College Union, where she co-leads the creation and implementation of Imperial’s first institutional mental health strategy. She is a member of the Lived Experience Advisory Board at Rethink Mental Illness and a past member of the Young People’s Strategy Steering Group at Mind.

Aglaia is also a President’s PhD Scholar in the Division of Psychiatry, and her research investigates the potential use of AI interventions to support adolescents’ mental health in schools.

Commenting on the event Aglaia Freccero said: “I was honoured to take part in this important roundtable on student mental health. Thank you to HRH Princess Beatrice, Chegg, Student Minds, Big Change, the Mental Health Foundation, and my fellow student advocates for sharing their experiences.

"This discussion was an important reminder that listening to student voices is essential if we are to enact policies to meaningfully support mental health in higher education.”

Mental health at University

During the discussion HRH Princess Beatrice shared her own experiences of neurodiversity, having been identified as dyslexic aged seven. She highlighted the importance of taking into account all students’ unique needs when addressing their mental health.

The thoughtful discussion delved into how educators and policymakers can better understand the worsening mental health crisis for students. Topics explored during the roundtable include the lessons that Covid lockdowns taught universities on their mental health approach, current examples of universities effectively supporting student mental health, and what universities can do to meaningfully engage with students to raise awareness.

HRH Princess Beatrice, said, “Embracing neurodiversity is not just a commitment to inclusivity, but a catalyst for innovation and progress. Today’s roundtable highlighted the importance of standing united in our pursuit to cultivate an environment where every student, regardless of their neurological makeup, can thrive in their studies and beyond. I would like to thank Chegg and all its partners for organising Global Student Mental Health Week to help destigmatise this important issue.”

Student Mental Health Week 2024, which took place from 26 February to 3 March, has a special focus on tackling student loneliness. The World Health Organization has deemed social isolation an issue and a global health priority, and warned of the impact of loneliness on well-being.

This article was adapted from a story published in Essex Magazine based on materials provided by Chegg.