The amount of money being spent on student mental health services in Northern Ireland universities has surged by more than 40% on average since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new data obtained via Freedom of Information (FOI) requests.
The figures reveal a significant investment in salaries, counselling, and wellbeing programs aimed at supporting students struggling with mental health challenges during and after their transition to university life.
Universities Respond to Increased Demand for Mental Health Support
The rise in spending highlights the growing mental health crisis among students, a trend that Northern Ireland’s Mental Health Champion, Professor Siobhan O’Neill, links to a combination of social, financial, and academic pressures. She also cited the positive impact of reduced stigma and greater willingness to seek help.
Professor O’Neill said mental health disorders commonly emerge during early adulthood, aligning with the typical age of university students. She stressed that marginalized groups—including international students, ethnic minorities, disabled students, and LGBTQ+ individuals—are at particularly high risk and require tailored support services.
Call for Better Integration with Statutory Services
While praising universities for investing more in student support, Professor O’Neill emphasized the need for a more coordinated approach with statutory mental health services. She pointed to a successful project linking universities with Belfast Trust services, calling for its expansion to other regions across Northern Ireland.
University-by-University Breakdown of Mental Health Spending Increases
St Mary’s University College Belfast
St Mary’s has recorded the highest increase, with an 85.5% rise in mental health spending—from £124,927 in 2019/20 to £231,691 in 2023/24. It also received additional support through the Department of Education’s Step-Up Project, with funding rising from £50,000 to £100,000 over the same period. The funds have been directed toward one-to-one mentoring and counselling services.
Stranmillis University College
Stranmillis reported a 62% increase, growing from £55,043 in 2020 to £89,208 in 2024. The college offers a free, confidential counselling service, supported by an on-site occupational health nurse. Staff also maintain an “open door” policy to encourage students to speak up about personal challenges.
Queen’s University Belfast (QUB)
At QUB, mental health service spending increased by 52%, from £931,615 in 2019/20 to £1,417,539 in 2023/24. The university runs drop-in services, online resources, and a calendar of mental health events throughout the academic year.
Ulster University
Ulster University saw a 32% rise in its mental health support budget—from £1,916,528 in 2019/20 to £2,535,553 in 2023/24. The institution offers access to external counselling providers and promotes positive mental health initiatives via its student wellbeing team.
Students Speak Out: Real Stories Behind the Numbers
Dara Doyle, a 21-year-old psychology student at Queen’s, shared his personal experience seeking support. Struggling with academic pressure, part-time work, and social isolation, Dara reached out in 2023 and received six counselling sessions and ongoing check-ins.
“There’s still a reluctance, especially among young men, to admit when they’re struggling,” he said. “There’s a sense that you have to hold it all together.”
Universities Adapting to Post-Pandemic Mental Health Needs
Caroline Young, Vice President for Students and Corporate Services at Queen’s, said student support needs have changed dramatically since the pandemic. Some students face anxiety about adjusting to university life, while others enter higher education with existing mental health conditions.
Queen’s has introduced a range of services—from online tools to in-person counselling—to help students manage their wellbeing. “We don’t expect the need to disappear,” Young said, “but we aim to provide multiple avenues for students to understand and manage their mental health effectively.”
