Mental health and wellbeing support

Students’ mental health and wellbeing is a priority at The Open University, and a range of support is on offer throughout your studies. 

Student Mental Health Agreement certificate image. Resources and help in an emergency

Information about mental health support can be found on our help page, including text message and online support.

Think Positive and the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) have further resources on mental health and wellbeing.

In an emergency, call 999, or contact your GP or the Samaritans. 

Support and resources for studies

Discover the help that’s available: this could include options from your Student Support Team and Tutors such as creating more manageable study timetables and taking rest breaks during exams. You can access guided self-help resources, and the OU Students Association also runs a confidential Peer Support Service.

We also offer study skills materials.

Tell us about your mental health

At the OU we support over 10,000 students who have told us they have a mental health difficulty. You can let us know at any time, but early contact is recommended so we can make reasonable adjustments and support you to reach your full potential. You may qualify for mental health mentoring support – find out more. 

Our commitment to your mental health

Mental health and wellbeing impacts on all aspects of our lives, which the OU recognises and takes extremely seriously.

Our Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategic Plan 2026 sets a shared direction for working together to create a mentally healthy university.

The plan reflects the Universities UK Stepchange: mentally healthy universities framework (2023).

In our Open University in Scotland Student Mental Health Agreement 2023-25 (PDF, 730 KB) we set out with our partner Open SU our commitment to promoting the mental wellbeing of all students.

Activities in Scotland

Examples of our activities with/for students include Big Blether engagement sessions with the OU Students Association and OU staff. When there are upcoming Big Blethers they will be listed on our Events page.