The AWARE project, an Erasmus+ initiative dedicated to promoting anxiety and mental health awareness among Higher Education Institutions’ staff and students, is pleased to announce the publication of its comprehensive Good Practices Guidelines. These guidelines are the outcome of extensive research and collaborative efforts aimed at equipping university staff and students with the necessary tools and knowledge to recognise, manage, and support individuals dealing with anxiety and other mental health challenges.
The primary goal of the AWARE project is to foster a supportive and empathetic environment within European Higher Education Institutions, ensuring that mental wellbeing remains a top priority for both students and staff. Through its multifaceted approach, the project strives to enhance anxiety management skills among students while expanding emotional competence and positive attitudes. Additionally, the AWARE project aims to foster inclusivity by accommodating anxious students and increasing knowledge and skills throughout the entire academic community.
During this pivotal stage of the project, the AWARE team has been working on finalising the Capacity Building Activities, with a particular focus on creating Good Practice Guidelines for promoting mental well-being in European Higher Education Institutions. To lay the foundation for these guidelines, the team conducted thorough desk research in five European countries: Cyprus, Greece, Poland, Ireland, and Spain. Furthermore, 25 experts at a European level, including academics, representatives of higher education centers, and stakeholders, were interviewed in a small-scale research initiative. The culmination of these efforts resulted in the identification of 50 best practices for promoting mental health in higher education institutions in Europe.
Led by the University of the Basque Country, the research findings have been compiled into an English-language document that will also be translated into the languages of the consortium members. This guide will serve as a reference for implementing effective practices to enhance the mental health of individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions in higher education settings.
The Good Practice Guidelines are available in English HERE.
About the AWARE project
The AWARE project is being implemented by five European organisations: SPOŁECZNA AKADEMIA NAUK, KMOP – EDUCATION AND INNOVATION HUB, CARDET, SPECTRUM RESEARCH CENTRE, and UNIVERSIDAD DEL PAIS VASCO/ EUSKAL HERRIKO UNIBERTSITATEA. For more information about the project and its objectives, please visit the official website at https://www.awareformentalhealth.eu/. The website provides a wealth of resources, updates, and insights into the ongoing efforts to raise mental health awareness and foster a supportive environment in higher education settings.
