Resources for Academic Mental Health Tutors

Academic Mental Health Tutors (AMHTs) play a crucial role in supporting students’ wellbeing, helping them manage the demands of university life alongside their mental health. To enhance the support you provide, here are some key resources tailored to your needs:

Wellbeing and Mental Health Support Tools

• Student Minds: Resources and toolkits to support student mental health, including guidance on handling difficult conversations.
• MindEd: Free educational resources on mental health, offering e-learning modules for those working with young people.
• QUB Inspire Support Hub: Provides students with access to mental health resources, self-help tools, and support services to enhance wellbeing.
• Talk Campus: Is an online peer support platform where students can connect with others globally to discuss mental health challenges in a safe and supportive environment.

Study Skills and Academic Support Tools

• Pomodoro Timers (e.g., Focus Keeper): Helps students break study sessions into manageable chunks to reduce overwhelm.
• Mind Mapping Tools (e.g., MindView, Coggle, MindMeister): Supports students in organising their thoughts and structuring assignments. MindView is available for QUB students through the Student Desktop. Visit the Guide to Mind Mapping for Organisation and Planning.
• Notion or Microsoft OneNote: For managing tasks, notes, and schedules effectively, which can help reduce academic-related stress. Students get access to OneNote through their 365 Account. Visit the Guide to Microsoft OneNote for Noteaking and Lecture Organisation for more information and alternatives.
• Neurodiversity Free Assistive Technology Recommendations: A helpful guide on the Assistive Technology blog offering recommendations for free tools designed to support neurodiverse students.
• Study Skills Booklet: Offers suggested AT and software that caters to diverse learning needs, including planning and revision strategies.
• DSA-Funded Software: Students eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) may have access to specialised software such as Read&Write, ClaroRead, MindView, Dragon NaturallySpeaking, and more. This resource provides comprehensive information on DSA-funded products, application processes, and available support at QUB.
• QUB Transition Skills Resources:
  • LDS Transition Skills for University: Offers guidance on managing the shift to university life, study strategies, and resilience-building, with practical tips on academic and personal development.
  • E-learning Transition Skills: Provides online modules designed to help students develop essential academic skills.

Although these Canvas modules are accessed directly by students, they can be valuable exercises to work through together during tutoring sessions.

Assistive Technology for Mental Health Support

• Headspace: An AI-powered mental health chatbot that offers support for stress management and emotional wellbeing.
• Forest App: Encourages focus and reduces phone distractions, promoting productivity and mindfulness.
• Texthelp Read&Write: Assists with reading and writing tasks, reducing cognitive load for students experiencing mental fatigue. QUB students can access Read&Write through the student desktop. For more information and alternatives, visit the Guide to Texthelp Read&Write

Professional Development Resources for Tutors

• Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training: Enhances your ability to recognise signs of distress and provide appropriate support. For more information visit Aware NI or Public Health Agency.
• Advance HE Resources: Guidance on inclusive teaching practices and supporting student wellbeing in academic settings.
• Session Planning Guide for Support Providers: Provides practical advice on structuring and planning effective support sessions with students, ensuring a consistent and impactful approach.
• SMART Goal Setting Guide for Academic Mentoring: Learn effective goal-setting strategies to support student success.
• Discover Your AT: A handy resource for staff and students to explore assistive technology options, enhancing their understanding of available tools to support learning and accessibility.
• QUB AI Hub: A fantastic resource for both staff and students to explore AI-powered tools for accessible content creation and learning..
• QUB Digi Hub: An invaluable space for staff and students to discover digital resources and support for innovative teaching and learning.

Wellbeing and Mental Health Support

• QUB Student Wellbeing Service: First point of contact for students needing mental health support beyond academic tutoring.
• QUB Inspire Counselling Service: 24/7 Student Helpline. All students at the University can contact Inspire’s Student Helpline, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The number is 0808 800 0016 (24hr Freephone)

Practical Tips for Tutors

• Set Clear Expectations: Use visual aids and written instructions to complement verbal explanations.
• Break Down Tasks: Chunk assignments into smaller, manageable parts to reduce overwhelm.
• Routine and Consistency: Establish regular meeting times and structured sessions to create a predictable environment.
• Flexible Communication: Some students may prefer written communication over verbal. Adapt to their preferred style where possible.

Support Channels

• Assistive Technology Teams Channel: Join for real-time support, updates, and discussions.
• ALS Info Hub: Access the latest resources, events, and student support opportunities for Accessible Learning registered students.
• For more information on providing support to students, please visit the Register of Support Providers at QUB.
• For more information and guidance on supporting students with assistive technology, please contact the Assistive Technology Coordinator.