UEL and NewVIc launch mental health support service

The announcement comes as part of Mental Health Awareness Week, which is focused in 2025 on creating supportive communities. 

As part of the programme, trained postgraduate counselling students from UEL will offer one-to-one support to NewVIc students aged 16-18 in need of support and referred into the service, delivering weekly face-to-face sessions on-site at the Centre every Monday and Thursday. Each student will be offered up to six sessions, free of charge.

This initiative builds on a successful pilot project run in 2022/2023, created in response to the growing demand for mental health services among young people in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The newly expanded programme is part of UEL’s Psychological and Wellbeing Clinic and aligns with the university’s wider commitment to community impact through its Year of Health.

Elizabeth Wilson, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Social Work, Counselling & Social Care, in the School of Childhood and Social Care, said, 

This partnership reflects our mission to deliver meaningful community engagement while giving our students real-world, professional experience.

“This is a pivotal and often pressurised time in young people’s lives, with exams looming and major decisions ahead. We’re pleased to offer practical support and coping strategies to help them navigate these challenges with greater confidence and resilience.”

By partnering with UEL, NewVic can offer faster access to support for students currently on waiting lists, while also exposing them to potential future pathways in higher education and mental health professions.

Zaakir Akhtar, Head of Student Experience at Newham College London, said, “The launching of this wellbeing partnership is a reflection and testament to the theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week of Community. 

“The collaboration between NewVIc Sixth Form Centre and UEL reflects our growing desire to support students in any way we can to enhance their experience, educational journey and their emotional intelligence.  

“The counselling sessions will maximise the support our students can access to help manage and overcome Mental Health challenges young people face in their daily lives, evidenced through the growing number of Mental Health Referrals. The wellbeing partnership will complement the work of both local institutions, with students of both organisations being at the forefront of our work.”

Trainee counsellor Esther James, who is studying a Higher Diploma in Psychotherapy and Counselling, said, “I’ve always been passionate about working with young people, and I knew I wanted to do my placement in a school environment.

“When this opportunity came up, it was perfect. It is in my local community, and I get to serve in a way that I know makes a difference for the young people who choose to use the service.”

This partnership exemplifies how educational institutions can work together locally to respond to the mental health crisis in young people, while supporting the development of the next generation of counsellors.

This partnership has been facilitated by UEL’s Schools and Colleges, Outreach and Access team and marks a valuable step in strengthening the University’s relationship with supporting young people from widening participation backgrounds.