Wanted: students to participate in focus groups

Did you know that many students do not always realise they are struggling with mental health problems? And that there are all sorts of reasons why students do not seek the help they need? Many are convinced they have to solve their problems themselves, do not know where to turn, think help is not affordable, worry about a possible negative impact on their study career, etc.

So it is time for action!

Via focus groups, we want to gain more insight into the barriers students experience, and above all, we want to learn how to lower these barriers.
We also want to learn which support students do or do not prefer.
That way, we can develop a caring welfare policy together.

Who can participate?

You can participate if you are 18 years or older and registered at a Flemish college or university. You are welcome as a student with emotional problems but also as a student without emotional problems. So you do not have to be in counselling for emotional problems.

What does participation entail?

In a group of 10 students, you will exchange views on the level of awareness of counselling and possible barriers (cognitive, logistic, stigma) to using this counselling or seeking help. You will also have the opportunity to give your opinion on how thresholds can be lowered and what support students need. The Support Centre for Inclusive Higher Education (SIHO) will process the insights in a report. Universities and universities of applied sciences will work with the results. Together, we create a 'community of caring'.

Interested? Take part!
You can share your experiences at an online session via Teams on:

Monday 13/11 between 18h30 and 20h
Or
Thursday 16/11 between 18h30 and 20h

Register here.