The graph below demonstrates the increasing number of students with mental health difficulties (2006). It also demonstrates the significant difference between the number of students who declare against the upper estimate of between 6% and 10% of students who experience a significant mental health difficulty during a period of study.

(TCC stands for Trinity College Camarthen now known as University of Wales Trinity St David)

Current service provision

Whilst all three institutions provide a counselling support, only Swansea University has a permanent mental health coordinator, specifically providing support to students and internal and external liaison.  

South West Wales Assessment of Needs (DSA) Centre

The project will develop a centre of excellence for Disabled Student Allowance assessments in South West Wales, a facility that is urgently required and that will have a direct and lasting impact upon students with disabilities.

The current DSA suite at Swansea University (SU) will be improved to enable a step change in the number of assessments that can be undertaken and each HEI will make Swansea its first point of referral. A trainee assessor will be appointed and trained over time to meet the requirements to undertake assessments across the full range of disabilities.   During the life of the project the trainee will focus on delivering assessments for the largest disability group in HE, Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dysgraphia, Hyperlexia etc.)

The trainee will also ensure the Assessment Centre operates to the high standards set by the DSA Quality Assurance Group and is approved in the audit scheduled for September 2008.

What is the DSA? Click here.