About the Project

Mental health and well-being among students in higher education is an increasing concern across Europe. Rising levels of anxiety, stress, and emotional distress are affecting students’ academic performance, engagement, and overall quality of life. At the same time, many Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) lack structured, accessible systems to respond effectively to these challenges.

This project addresses this gap by introducing a new model of student and staff mental health support. It focuses on combining iCBT (Internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), structured peer support networks, and safe, stigma-free discussion spaces. Working with universities and research organisations across Europe, CARE + CONNECT equips HEIs with the tools, resources, and methodologies needed to foster long-term resilience, emotional well-being, and supportive academic culture.

How will we support student mental health and well-being?

As HEIs play a central role in students’ academic and personal development, it is essential that institutions, educators, and peers are equipped to recognise mental health challenges and provide appropriate support.

CARE+CONNECT aims to strengthen mental health support in Higher Education Institutions by combining digital interventions with peer-led approaches. More specifically, the project aims to:

Improve access to mental health support for students through evidence-based digital tools

Strengthen emotional resilience and well-being among students

Build the capacity of HEI staff and students to support mental health in inclusive and sustainable ways.

To achieve this, we will:

  • Develop an Internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) programme tailored to the needs of higher education students
  • Establish structured peer support networks for both students and HEI professionals, promoting mentoring, active listening, and early intervention
  • Introduce Conversation Cafés as safe, peer-led spaces for open and stigma-free discussions around mental health
  • Design and deliver training activities for HEI staff and students to strengthen mental health awareness and support skills
  • Produce a CARE+CONNECT Implementation Guide to support long-term adoption and sustainability of the project’s approach within HEIs.

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Foundation for the Development of the Education System (FRSE). Neither the European Union nor FRSE can be held responsible for them.

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