Ideas Board

Students at BCU know that there is a lot of stigma with mental health, especially when it comes talking about our own. Many of us are still unaware of the right help and support out there, and specifically, certain students feel they are unable to speak to those professionals, who are outside of our faith and understanding. We feel we need to introduce a trained counsellor, specifically one of the Muslim faith and who understands mental health in the ideas of spirituality, to be able to further help Muslim students at BCU and act as our chaplain. Although the SU may not be able to put this into place right away, it would be brilliant to bring this into discussion with the University Board and the Mental Health & Wellbeing Team, and be put forward by the SU, on behalf of and, as an essential need in order to further help and support students of the Muslim faith whilst at BCU. Involving students like myself and any other representatives from our faith would be great to further help bring this idea forward if possible. A Christian counsellor has been said to be available, so it’s time we attempt to introduce a Muslim counsellor/chaplain, allowing for students from the faith to be able to finally reach out and confidently speak about their worries whilst seeking support for any struggles they may face and wish to discuss; understanding the religious and psychological aspects of their wellbeing in the process. It's time we start small but think big, and take mighty steps in order to help as many protected demographics of students as possible with their mental health and wellbeing, and starting off with Muslim students is a must.