Mental Health and Wellbeing Services

Elizabeth School of London is dedicated to providing relevant, high-quality programs and operates across seven campuses located in six UK cities: London, Birmingham, Leeds, Leicester, Manchester, and Northampton.

Elizabeth School campus building exterior
City campus building at dusk

Mental Health

Wellbeing Support

At the Elizabeth School of London (ESL) we are dedicated to fostering an all-inclusive atmosphere that provides support for all students. Our Student Wellbeing Service provides advice and support to students with different experiences of long-term physical and mental health conditions, learning difficulties and developmental disorder such as:

  • AD(H)D,
  • Autism Spectrum Conditions,
  • Hearing impairment,
  • Visual impairment,
  • Mobility difficulties,
  • Mental health conditions,
  • Neurodiversity,
  • Specific learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia).

This list is not entirely exhaustive. If you have a condition or difficulty which has an impact on your studies and may not fit the categories above, please email us on mywellbeing@esl.ac.uk to discuss further.

Colourful wellbeing artwork

Disability, Mental health and Wellbeing Support

Disability, Mental health and Wellbeing Support

Available on campus and online. During your appointment, we will ask you a few questions about your current circumstances or issues you may be experiencing. We will provide you with the most appropriate advice and guidance that is useful for you, including self-care strategies, referral to other departments, online resources or signposting to external services.

Disability Learning Support

If you have a disability or a condition that may impact your studies, our Well-being team offer confidential support to help you engage fully with your studies. Please contact the team at mywellbeing@esl.ac.uk to book a meeting to discuss further.

We offer 1-to-1 meetings with students to discuss the following:

  • The impact your condition may have on your studies
  • Any reasonable adjustments or support you will need to access your course fully.
  • Creating an individual support plan which sets out the required adjustments you will need which will be shared with the appropriate staff, for example, our Additional Needs Tutors.
  • Guidance and information on applying for a Disabled Student’s Allowance (DSA) if you are eligible.
  • Signpost to relevant support services outside of ESL. For example, we have a partnership with Randstad which can provide students with tailored academic support.

Drop-in sessions

You can drop in to speak to a Wellbeing Officer on campus. To find out drop-in times specific to your campus, please contact mywellbeing@esl.ac.uk.

Workshops, Events and Self-help Resources

We run workshops throughout the year focusing on building psychological wellbeing skills to help you during your studies with us and when you graduate. It is an opportunity for you to meet others in a safe space to share experiences and tips for your wellbeing. Please keep a lookout for emails from the Wellbeing Team, as well as the noticeboards on your campus for your next workshop.

Events

Our wellbeing team are dedicated to ensuring the best ESL experience for all students which is why we host regular events to help students maintain their well-being. We like to celebrate different campaigns running throughout the year such as World Kindness Day and University Mental Health Day.

Stay up to date with our next workshops and events by regularly checking your ESL emails, the noticeboards on campus and our monthly newsletters!

Students taking part in a wellbeing workshop

Got an idea for a Workshop?

We welcome suggestions from students about what may be useful for their self-development for their well-being. You can email suggestions on mywellbeing@esl.ac.uk.

Self-help Resources

Being a student can be challenging and exciting, we are here to support you if you experience any difficulties along the way. On this page, you will find some helpful resources and information to support your well-being.

This list is not entirely exhaustive. If you have a condition or difficulty which has an impact on your studies and may not fit the categories above, please email us on mywellbeing@esl.ac.uk to discuss further.

Find Your Calm: Reducing Stress and Anxiety brochure

Who is the Wellbeing Team

Brenda Shankey

Brenda Shankey

Wellbeing Manager

MBCBT, PGCE International Performance Mindset Coach (TV/Film/Theatre - Westend + Broadway) Mental Health First Aid + Safeguarding Facilitator Meditation + Mindfulness Teacher Life Coach Mindfulness-Based Behavioural Therapist Professional Membership; Irish Association Mindfulness Coaches International Practitioner of Holistic Medicine

Crystal Maher

Crystal Maher

My expertise lies in the fields of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and lowering anxiety and stress in others. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals with SEND, I am committed to providing tailored support and strategies to help them thrive. Additionally, I am passionate about assisting those struggling with anxiety, offering evidence-based techniques and tools for managing stress and promoting mental well-being.

Education: BSc Psychology, MSc Health/Clinical Psychology Professional bodies: British Psychological Society

Apolina Saikia

Apolina Saikia

I specialize in guiding people through challenging times, offering personalized support that combines counselling with integrated therapies. My approach is all about building resilience and self-awareness, especially for those navigating existential questions or trying to align their unique personality traits with their career goals. Purpose is at the heart of what I do, and helping others through difficult moments gives meaning to my work.

Education: BSc Psychology, MSc Occupational Psychology
Professional bodies: British Psychological Society, American Psychological Association

Adam Cooley

Adam Cooley

“My areas of expertise include consciousness, stress management and individual differences. With over 6 years of experience as a high value personal trainer, I appreciate the importance of physical wellbeing. Free will, stress management and consciousness relates to the daily struggles for the average person. Exploring these concepts allows the individual to understand their behaviours and the origins. Thousands of hours of personal coaching has allowed me to deliver results to my clients. My purpose is to help others.”

Education: MSc Psychology

Lavender Jephris

As a passionate advocate for student well-being, I specialise in offering support, affirmation, and optimism. My passion is to assist students build a good mindset and resilience. My goal is to enable students to overcome obstacles, embrace their potential, and prosper in all aspects of their lives by providing personalised support and evidence-based techniques.

Education: MSc Psychology

Carrie

Carrie

My area of expertise is depression and anxiety, with a special emphasis on mindfulness and meditation as helpful strategies for managing these conditions. I can empathise with people from different cultures thanks to my background and personal experience as a recent immigrant to the UK. My understanding of cultural differences enables me to offer culturally appropriate assistance and direction.

Education: BSc in Psychology, Professional Diploma in Applied Psychology, Professional Diploma in Public Relations

Emily Carman

>I am dedicated to supporting anyone with a mental health condition, but I specialise in trauma-informed care, with experience working with adults with debilitating mental health conditions. After receiving my qualification in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Essentials and working with NHS Talking Therapies, I am passionate about using my skills to support anxiety and depression. With the foundational skills and knowledge The Care Certificate, provided me, I prioritise giving high standards of care. My practice is always person-centred, meaning I am always focussed on the individual, respecting their views, choices and decisions and working with compassion.

Education: BSc in Psychology, MSc in Forensic Psychology and Mental Health Professional bodies: British Psychological Society, The Association for Psychological Therapies

Gregory Duke

Would you like to feel spiritually free and smile once again? Perhaps you would like to forgive others or yourself? With experiences from working along side veterans reintegrating into society, I have used my skills to aid and reach out to people who suffer with severe depression, anxiety and uncontrollable rage. My expertise is with families and couples who are experiencing multiple issues including mental health and communicating with honesty, compassion, and love, given the values of culture and individuals.

Education: BA Music Education & Psychology, MA Marriage and Family Counseling Professional bodies: American Psychological Association