Student Advocates United addresses mental health resource accessibility at Bradley University
Student Advocates United take preliminary steps to Improve mental health resource accessibility on campus at Bradley University, paving the way for a more supportive campus environment.
With the winter months coming to an end, and warmer weather in sight, mood and mental health across campus may be improving; however, mental health resource accessibility still remains an issue on campus at Bradley University.
At the Student Advocates United meeting in Bradley Hall on Wednesday, February 21st, the club made their final decision on the semester-long social issue to address: enhancing the accessibility of mental health resources on campus.
The group aims to tackle the negative stigma surrounding mental health, recognizing the barriers it poses for individuals seeking assistance.
“Indiana University does a great job of offering many mental health support options. They recently partnered with BetterHelp and gave all students free access to the website,” stated Sophia Rose, Vice President of SAU. “Giving students an option to seek help online may be a more comfortable way to get the support they need.”
BetterHelp is an online therapy and counseling service that provides a convenient and accessible way for individuals to connect with licensed mental health professionals from the comfort of their home.
“While it may not be possible to work out a partnership with BetterHelp, we could work on a way to have an online option with the counseling center here,” stated Rose.
With a topic selected and ideas starting to form, Student Advocates United plans to develop effective strategies and initiatives that create a supportive environment and encourage open dialogue, ultimately making it easier for everyone on campus to access the mental health resources they need.
Created in 2020, Students Advocates United is still in its early stages of development and participation.
Currently the club welcomes seven Bradley University students from various departments around campus all studying different majors but share the same like minded goal of providing helpful resources and collective action to solve issues on campus.
Even with the small group, Student Advocates United is starting to make waves on campus, driven by their commitment to fostering positive change. According to the mission statement, SAU aims to address social issues ranging from mental health, accessibility, and academics with a focus on creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
“We are always looking for more students to join,” stated Brina Taylor, President of SAU. “Anyone is welcome to join as we strive to build up a diverse community of advocates who want to make a positive impact on campus.”
Student Advocates United continues to explore different approaches to social issues in order to reach their goals of giving students the resources they need.
“Every week we are working towards ways to ensure the longevity of our club,” stated Taylor, “but the key factor lies in the active engagement of the students here who let us know what needs to change.”
If you want to learn more about Student Advocates United, visit their website or their Instagram @studentadvocatesunited for more information regarding future meeting times and general updates.