Membership Benefits

Why become a member of UMHAN?

We are the only membership organisation that represents mental health professionals working in Higher Education and have more than 20 years of experience in this field. With approximately 700 members from more than 100 organisations, we are well placed to understand and advocate for our members. This includes representation to funding bodies, relevant government departments and leadership bodies. 

We have particular expertise in working with students with mental health conditions; equality, inclusion and the rights of those with mental health conditions; managing risk and safety and collaborative working with the NHS, Social Services and other public bodies.

Peer Support and Networking

As a UMHAN member, you become part of a supportive community, which gives you the opportunity to share your experiences, knowledge and advice through exclusive discussion forums, and connect with other professionals throughout the UK. We have forums dedicated to particular professions and roles, such as Occupational Therapy and Specialist Mental Health Mentoring.

Meetings and Continuing Professional Development

We hold online meetings, giving members the opportunity to discuss current topics, share best practice and contribute to continuing professional development.  Our online Community Forum is a highly valued platform for both new and experienced practitioners, covering topics such as risk and safety, strategies for effective working with students and team working.

Policy Development, Research and Publications

UMHAN is at the forefront of developing policy and practice around mental health across the sector and members regularly contribute to new research, papers and publications. As an organisation, UMHAN is regularly asked to articulate its views on issues relevant to student mental health. Members have both the opportunity to contribute to these developments and access to a wealth of professional experience, expertise and guidance from across the sector.  

Sector Representation

As a membership organisation, UMHAN advocates for its members on areas such as pay and conditions, wellbeing and professionalism at a strategic level. We also seek to advocate for students with mental health conditions, reflecting their experiences in education, as fed back via our members.

We provide our members with news and information relevant to the education sector as a whole, but also to specific roles. We highlight developments which we feel affect our members and the wider landscape of student mental health.

Quality Assurance

All members are expected to comply with our Capability and Conduct Framework, and take personal responsibility for upholding professional standards. Through our Accredited Practitioner membership type we also audit members within our Supervision and CPD requirements, ensuring that students with mental health conditions receive support from proficient professional staff. 

Members also receive:

• Inclusion on our Public Register
• Use of the UMHAN logo on email signatures
• An active, online Community Forum where members can share experiences and expertise
• Access to a range of member meetings which include guest speakers, training, networking and development opportunities (and the recordings!)
• Discounted advertising on our Jobs Board
• Access to member-only areas of the UMHAN website containing resources; publications; guidance and position statements; self-help apps; tools and templates and much more…
• Access to discounted Public Liability insurance (Mentors only).