The featured module - ‘Understanding Mental Health’ - is designed for Level 4 BSc (Hons) Psychology with Clinical and Counselling Skills students at UWL’s School of Human and Social Sciences (SHSS). It explores theories and social and economic factors surrounding mental health diagnosis and includes a lecture about applying mental health concepts to helping people impacted by climate change.

The lecture explored climate literacy topics, types of disaster-related events such as flood, fires, and drought and how these events relate to mental health. Students were introduced to interventions for reducing the mental health impact of these events along with the latest UK government approaches.

After the lecture, students were given the opportunity to apply what they had learned. They were given a real-life scenario of a flood in a community and asked to work together to develop a programme identifying possible resources for support. The lively discussion that followed allowed students to problem solve and be creative with ideas and planning.

The UK is predicted to experience more flooding by 2030, but students are often not aware of how climate change may affect us in the UK and its implications for mental health.

This lecture prepares students to think about the connection between the environment and health and provides key green mental health skills our communities will need to sustain us for the future.”

said Dr Miller, who is also the Sustainability Lead for SHSS.

I really appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the Sustainable Development Goals during the Teach In,”

commented one student.

It was enlightening to see how we can all play a part in creating a more sustainable future. I believe integrating these concepts more into our studies could have a positive impact on our understanding and engagement with global issues.”

• Download the SDG Teach In campaign report
• Read more about studying Psychological Sciences at UWL