Wellbeing Mentoring
Short and deliberate
Seven sessions, agreed at the start. The limit is the point: it keeps the work focused on the obstacle in front of the student rather than becoming open-ended support.
Built around one problem
The student names what has derailed them. Sessions then target that specific issue and adapt as the situation changes.
Ends with a plan
The programme works towards an action plan the student puts into practice: options identified, decisions made, next steps their own.
What wellbeing mentoring addresses
When something specific gets in the way
Students face unexpected short-term difficulties. Left unaddressed, these can disrupt a whole year of study. Wellbeing mentoring exists to prevent that.
- Bereavement and loss
- Personal crises and family difficulties
- Relationship breakdown
- Stress and anxiety that has started to affect attendance and work
- Loss of motivation or confidence after a setback
How wellbeing mentoring works
Seven sessions with a clear arc, so the student knows what the programme is for and when it ends.
01
Name the obstacle
The student sets out what has knocked them off course and how it is affecting their studies.
02
Make sense of it
Next, the mentor helps the student understand the situation and separate what can be changed from what cannot.
03
Identify options
Together they weigh practical options, including university services and adjustments the student may not know about.
04
Act and review
Finally, the student implements an action plan and reviews what worked before the programme closes.
Current hourly rate
Wellbeing mentoring prices
One hourly rate applies to this service. Wellbeing mentoring is commissioned directly by universities and colleges rather than through DSA.
Standard rate
Wellbeing mentoring (HEI)
University or college funded, charged per hour across the seven sessions
£70 excluding VAT, per hour
Therefore, the total cost of a full programme depends on the session length agreed at referral. Contact UMO for a quotation.
What this support is not
Wellbeing mentoring is not counselling, and not ongoing support
It is not counselling, psychotherapy, diagnosis or medical care, and it is not a long-term arrangement. Seven sessions is the programme, not a starting point.
However, mentors are experienced, accredited mental health professionals working within agreed safeguarding and escalation procedures. Where a student needs clinical care or longer-term specialist mentoring, the mentor supports them to reach the right service.
What students report after wellbeing mentoring
Figures from UMO’s own student feedback, with the students’ own descriptions of what they came for.
80% more motivated
“To manage my stress and anxiety by helping me stay on top of my work whilst maintaining good relationships with others”
92% developed new strategies
“I’ve gained new mindsets with my work and it has helped me realise that what I can do is enough for myself and my grades”
85% improved concentration
“To deal with stress. That I am enough and I do not need to put too much pressure on myself”
78% improved confidence
“Help sorting through my thoughts and feelings to see what actually needs to change, and what I can do to improve the situation”
Commissioning, delivery and university responsibilities
Wellbeing mentoring sits alongside a university’s own provision rather than replacing it.
Commissioned by the institution
Universities and colleges arrange wellbeing mentoring directly. It does not require a DSA assessment, so it can start quickly when a student needs it.
Delivered by qualified mentors
Sessions are with an experienced, accredited mental health professional, delivered remotely across the UK or in person where a mentor is available.
University duties continue
Wellbeing mentoring does not replace reasonable adjustments, counselling services or the pastoral support a department provides.
Trusted information about student wellbeing and support
These official and independent sources explain student support, mental health and what universities are expected to provide.
NHS mental health informationInformation about mental health, treatment and where to get help.(opens in a new tab) OIA: supporting studentsGood-practice guidance on access, information and providing support.(opens in a new tab) GOV.UK: Disabled Students’ AllowanceFor students whose needs may instead be met through funded specialist mentoring.(opens in a new tab)
Questions about wellbeing mentoring
Answers for students, wellbeing teams and other referrers.
Eligibility and cost
Who is wellbeing mentoring for?
Students whose studies have been disrupted by a specific, short-term difficulty such as a bereavement, a personal crisis or a relationship breakdown, and who need focused help getting back on track.
Does the student need a DSA assessment?
No. Wellbeing mentoring is commissioned directly by the university or college, so it can begin without a needs assessment.
What does it cost?
£70 excluding VAT per hour, invoiced to the institution.
How is a student referred?
Use the referral form and include the student’s details and a short description of what has prompted the referral.
Delivery and sessions
Why seven sessions?
The programme is deliberately short. A defined end keeps the work focused on a specific obstacle and on the student’s own action plan.
What happens if the student needs more support?
The mentor supports them towards the right service: university counselling, clinical care, or funded specialist mentoring where the need is longer-term and assessed.
Are sessions remote or in person?
Either. Sessions are delivered online across the UK, and in person where a mentor is available locally.
How does this differ from specialist mental health mentoring?
Specialist mental health mentoring is ongoing, assessed support for a diagnosed condition, usually funded through DSA or SAAS. Wellbeing mentoring is short, institution-funded and organised around a specific event.
Arrange wellbeing mentoring for a student
Share the student’s details and what has prompted the referral, and UMO will match a qualified mentor.