Student mental health is an issue of growing concern. Past research indicates that many students are not accessing the support they require, which may be in part due to issues surrounding the standards of the available services. Using a participatory framework, the current study utilised a mixed methods design to examine student experiences of NHS mental health services and perspectives of peer support. 376 UK students completed an online survey examining their experiences of NHS mental health services, as well as their attitudes towards peer support. Several improvements were identified for future NHS mental health services regarding reduced waiting times, better access to alternative treatments and facilitating more patient-centred communication. Benefits of peer support services were also noted, including the potential to normalise experiences and promote belonging. These findings have implications for understanding how we can best support students experiencing mental health difficulties.

Student mental health is an issue of great concern for universities, with rising numbers of mental health problems being reported and students reporting issues with accessing support. The current study, using a participatory research framework, investigated the possible barriers preventing students from accessing support, in terms of help-seeking intentions and actual help-seeking behaviour. Three hundred and seventy-six current UK students completed a questionnaire which measured help-seeking and possible barriers including perceived public stigma, self-stigma, educational impact, disclosure, coping and current mental health symptoms. Findings indicated that selfstigma in particular was a barrier to accessing support. Disclosure, educational impact, previous diagnosis, suspected diagnosis and mental health symptoms also interacted with help-seeking. These findings have implications for universities in tackling the barriers preventing students accessing support for their mental health.

Aims and Methods: This national survey compared the demand and capacity of adult community eating disorder services (ACEDS) to NHSE Commissioning guidance. Results: Of 21 services approached in England and Scotland 13 responded (10.7 million total population). Between 2016/17 and 2019/20, the average referral rate increased by 18.8%, from 378 to 449/million population. Only 3.7% of referrals were from child and adolescent eating disorder services (CEDS-CYP), yet 46% of referrals were 18-25 years old.Most ACEDS had waiting lists and rationed access. Less than half of services were able to provide full medical monitoring, adapt treatment for co-morbidities, provide seamless transitions across the care pathway, or offer assertive outreach. ACEDS were 15% funded to meet demand, and to achieve parity with the CEDS-CYP would require an estimated £7 million in funding per million population.Clinical Implications: Even before the pandemic, ACEDS experienced a growing demand that exceeded its capacity. Given the increase in eating disorders since, substantial investment is required for ensuring safe and effective NHS services.

Aims/method This national pre-pandemic survey compared demand and capacity of adult community eating disorder services (ACEDS) with NHS England (NHSE) commissioning guidance. Results Thirteen services in England and Scotland responded (covering 10.7 million population). Between 2016–2017 and 2019–2020 mean referral rates increased by 18.8%, from 378 to 449/million population. Only 3.7% of referrals were from child and adolescent eating disorder services (CEDS-CYP), but 46% of patients were aged 18–25 and 54% were aged >25. Most ACEDS had waiting lists and rationed access. Many could not provide full medical monitoring, adapt treatment for comorbidities, offer assertive outreach or provide seamless transitions. For patient volume, the ACEDS workforce budget was 15%, compared with the NHSE workforce calculator recommendations for CEDS-CYP. Parity required £7 million investment/million population for the ACEDS. Clinical implications This study highlights the severe pressure in ACEDS, which has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. Substantial investment is required to ensure NHS ACEDS meet national guidance, offer evidence-based treatment, reduce risk and preventable deaths, and achieve parity with CEDS-CYP.