The Health Hub, a joint venture between Newcastle and Northumbria student wellbeing services, brings key mental and physical health services together in an accessible space for students to walk in and receive support for any of their concerns.
No appointments are needed, meaning that even students who are unsure of the support they need can speak to wellbeing staff, who can guide them towards the right resources and connect them with relevant practitioners on the day or through booked follow-ups.
In an interview with The Courier, Kate Aitchinson, Deputy Director of University Health & Wellbeing at Newcastle University, described the new Hub as a "little dream" she has had for a long time.
She said that the main aim of the Hub is to support students who may feel overwhelmed navigating the web of external health and wellbeing services. She also noted concerns for international students in particular, many of whom are entirely unfamiliar with the UK healthcare system.
A key problem that the Health Hub aims to solve is the lack of consistency between healthcare providers...
A key problem that the Health Hub aims to solve is the lack of consistency between healthcare providers, with complex referral procedures and incessant redirection discouraging a lot of students from seeking the help that they need.
Aitchison stressed the importance of consistency, and the benefits of having relevant support teams united in a common space. Within the Health Hub, student’s problems can be kept on record with their consent, so that they don’t need to repeat themselves to the different people that they may need to speak to.
There is support for drug and alcohol use, for victims of sexual abuse and assault, and for housing and finance concerns.
The Health Hub is home to mental health services (including neurodivergence specialists), as well as physical health and GP services from Saville Medical Group.
There is support for drug and alcohol use, for victims of sexual abuse and assault, and for housing and finance concerns. There are also wellbeing teams from both Newcastle and Northumbria University who can help with academic stress and disability arrangements.
The services available at the Health Hub were specially selected by Aitchison and the wellbeing team to represent student needs. She informed The Courier that the services were chosen after contacting local organisations to enquire about which services students accessed the most, ensuring that the help available is relevant to the student audience.
Aitchison is quoted in a university press release: “The Student Health Hub will make it easier for our students to get the right support at the right time, bringing trusted health and wellbeing services together in one welcoming place."
"It has been designed to give students a simple, friendly space where they can talk to someone and be connected with the right support, with no referral needed and no need to know exactly where to turn.”
The Hub remains open during university holidays as well as during term time so that students who remain in Newcastle over holiday periods can continue accessing vital services and support.
Students can find further information about the services available and how to access the Hub on Newcastle University's website.