10: Students Not Patients: Opening Up the University to those with Mental Health Problems

People with long-term experience of mental health problems can find it difficult to access higher education. The loss of confidence, social isolation and the stigma that often comes with mental ill health can make entering a university a daunting and intimidating experience. In this chapter, we consider Converge, a project which seeks to provide educational opportunities – across the campus of York St John University – to local people with mental health problems. The authors will suggest that the university environment and its people play a key role in supporting participants to learn, develop and progress. It is not medical or therapeutic interventions that make the difference, but learning within a socially valued and challenging environment.