First off, let me wish you a very Happy New Year. I always enjoy the optimism that inevitably arrives with the beginning of a new calendar year, and hearing all about the life-changing resolutions that people often set out with. The positive outlook unfortunately tends to fade just a few weeks later as Cliff Arnall’s Blue Monday arrives amongst a backdrop of shattered resolutions.

However, on Blue Monday this year my positive outlook will certainly remain intact – and it’s only slightly because I was doing this on the date last year. More significant, is the resolution made by 25 different universities across the UK for 2012. A resolution to create a happier student community, and a commitment to seeing this through. A resolution to act on, and not just discuss, a big problem in the higher education landscape.

A little over 3 months ago a report was released by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Missed by many, those involved within the higher education community with a vested interest in mental health picked it up and noted its significance. The paper was a formal recognition that the challenges faced by students right now are greater than ever before, and that psychological distress is a big risk for those currently studying at university.

Just a few days later, we launched “25by2012”; Mental Wealth UK’s boldest and most ambitious campaign to date. We envisaged student-led Mental Wealth groups at 25 universities all across the UK, each group utilising the passion, energy and enterprise of students to combat the risks outlined in the report from the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Each group has been given the full backing of their university and Students’ Union to proactively engage with the local student community in promoting positive mental health and wellbeing. They can't suddenly solve the problem of record graduate employment, or record high tuition fees, but Mental Wealth groups can help students to more effectively overcome these challenges and get more purchase out of their time at university. After all, university is supposed to be a time to learn and explore.

These first 25 should feel proud of their achievement, and we hope that this can serve as a springboard to reach more universities and see the network grow further. There’s no reason for every university not to have a Mental Wealth group in place combating stigma, raising awareness and informing students about mental health.

I propose a New Year’s toast to each of the 25, and look forward to celebrating with them all at the end of the month. Following the toughest year that higher education has seen in a long time, it’s warming to start 2012 on a high note.

Nathaniel