Supporting Counselling and Improving Student Mental Health at AFAD

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^{Supporting Counselling and Improving Student Mental Health at AFAD. The project is co-funded by the European Union under Programme Slovakia.}

 

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Studying at an art academy offers space for creativity and personal development, but it can also involve demanding situations related to academic workload, creative work, or entering a new environment. The aim of the project is to strengthen AFAD’s system of counselling and support services so that students can access the help they need more easily and have better conditions for successfully completing their studies.

The project is intended for both students and staff. Particular attention is given to newly admitted and international students, people with specific needs, and those who find themselves in difficult personal or study-related situations. Supporting staff also contributes to the quality of everyday communication, teaching, and the working environment.

 

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What the project focuses on

1. Development of counselling and support services

The project supports better access to and coordination of psychological, legal, mediation, and other counselling services. It includes support in coping with stress, managing time, preventing burnout, and dealing with difficult situations. An important part of the project is cooperation between different university units so that it is clear whom to contact and what kind of support is available. Both in-person and online forms of support are planned.

2. Staff training

Training activities develop communication, teaching, intercultural, and management skills. They also focus on recognising psychological overload, supporting people with specific needs, and working with diversity. The aim is to strengthen staff members’ ability to respond to students’ needs while also taking care of their own mental well-being.

3. Peer support – Buddy System

The project develops a system of mutual support among students. It is intended in particular to make the beginning of studies easier, help students find their way around the school, and support their integration into the academic community. The system includes training, ongoing support and supervision for those involved, as well as evaluation of participants’ experiences.

4. Continuous improvement of services

The needs of students and staff, together with their experiences and feedback, will provide a basis for the regular evaluation of counselling services. The findings will help improve the range and accessibility of services and introduce specific improvements.

5. Community activities and mental well-being

Shared events and the development of spaces for rest and relaxation are intended to encourage social interaction, stronger relationships, and a sense of belonging. Students will also be involved in preparing activities so that they reflect their needs and help reduce isolation and psychological strain.

What the project aims to achieve

The expected result is a more accessible and better coordinated system of support, effective peer assistance, and stronger staff competencies. The project is intended to contribute to the prevention of early study termination and to the creation of an open and inclusive environment that takes into account the diverse needs of members of the academic community.

Information about counselling services and contact details can be found on the website of the AFAD Student Support and Counselling Department.

 

 

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This project is co-funded by the European Union under Programme Slovakia.