Sharing information about your mental health

'Disclosing' means sharing information

At school the terminology for long term health conditions or educational needs is often 'Special Needs', 'SEND' or 'Learning Support' - but you may find that the word 'disability' is used more frequently in higher education. 

This is because of the legislation which protects people with long term health conditions (Equality Act 2010). Even if you do not think of yourself as 'disabled' you may well meet the criteria necessary to receive crucial support. 

If you formally share (disclose) information about your long term health condition to your university, this triggers certain legal obligations for the university to support you, and not discriminate against you, providing certain conditions are met. 

You can also share information about your health condition or mental health condition directly with UCAS, when you apply, which will then be passed on to your chosen university. 

You can also disclose directly with your funding body when you apply for student finance. This will help start the process to apply for Disabled Students' Allowance.