Mental health and wellbeing impacts on all aspects of our lives in terms of how we feel, function and interact with others. This is something The Open University recognises and takes extremely seriously.

Our updated Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategic Plan for all students and staff, sets a shared direction for how we work together to create a mentally healthy university. Our plan is organised across four domains: Learn, Support, Work, Live.

The domains are underpinned by cross-cutting enabling principles. It builds on our progress to date and brings together our commitments, available support and ways to get involved.

Our Mental Health and Wellbeing plan is critical to delivering our university’s strategic intent and societal impact.

At The Open University we recognise the profound impact that mental health and wellbeing have on both our students’ and staff experience and ability to maximise their potential and achieve success.

We are deeply committed to fostering an environment where mental health and wellbeing is a priority for everyone. This strategic plan embodies our dedication to an holistic, university-wide approach that spans across all four nations.

Professor David Phoenix Vice-Chancellor, The Open University

Learn

Our Learn Domain ensures that our students can participate in inclusive, flexible learning experiences, with compassionate teaching that promotes successful outcomes.

Support

Our Support Domain ensures we are proactive and that students and staff have safe and effective support when they need it.

Work

Our Work Domain is about our people and creating an inclusive, compassionate and mentally healthy workplace where everyone is supported to deliver and thrive.

Live

Our Live Domain seeks to create environments, cultures and spaces that positively impact mental health and wellbeing.

Enabling Principles

This Strategic Plan is built upon ten principles designed to embed and enable a whole university approach, ensuring that mental health and wellbeing are prioritised across all aspects of university life.