The project pursued three main objectives: First, it aimed to strengthen the competences of university teaching staff in supporting student mental health, with a particular focus on depression and anxiety as the most prevalent conditions. This included enhancing their ability to recognise both protective factors and potential risk factors within the learning environment, thereby contributing to more inclusive and supportive teaching practices. Second, the project aimed to develop transferable, high-quality training materials that can be used and adapted by higher education institutions across Europe. In doing so, the project intended to extend its impact beyond the consortium and encourage broader institutional engagement in fostering inclusive, mental health-sensitive learning environments. Third, the project sought to contribute to the development of more inclusive higher education institutions by promoting HEI-wide strategies on student mental health. A key objective was to ensure that the training developed would be embedded within preventive, holistic institutional approaches rather than implemented as isolated measures.
Student mental health problems in higher education—particularly depression and anxiety—have been increasing steadily across Europe and globally, a trend further intensified by COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this development, student mental health has not yet received sufficient systemic attention. As a result, many students experiencing mental distress face difficulties in successfully completing their studies or are at higher risk of dropping out. Higher Education Institutions (HEI) are increasingly challenged to support these students in a holistic and equitable way. Those affected often feel disadvantaged in terms of equal participation and require levels of self-motivation that are difficult to sustain under mental strain. This highlights the need for more inclusive higher education systems that actively prevent exclusion. At the same time, teaching staff often lack practical guidance for addressing mental health issues in everyday teaching contexts. Against this background, SUNMENTORS was initiated to develop a flexible training programme for higher education institutions. The project aimed to equip teaching staff with practical skills while supporting institutions in developing more inclusive learning environments.