National mental health charity Student Minds based in Leeds, is launching a new pilot programme to support student leaders from racialised communities, thanks to a £15,000 award from The Health Lottery Foundation. The funding was made possible by players of The Health Lottery, who have helped raised over £135 million for health-related good causes across Great Britain.
The project, running across three universities, will provide six months of training and support for new student union officers and student society leaders. Part of the programme includes coaching from specialist EDI and anti-racism consultant Osaro Otobo, equipping them with the skills to tackle health inequalities, speak up on behalf of their peers and hold university leaders to account.
Martin Ellice, CEO of The Health Lottery, said: “This pilot project is an important step in making sure students from racialised backgrounds feel supported, represented, and able to thrive during their studies. We are proud that Health Lottery players are making this possible.”
Final term stress, exam pressure, and uncertainty about the future can all take a toll on student wellbeing. Many students now balance part-time work alongside their studies – an average of 15 hours per week – while also facing housing and financial pressures. For racialised students, these challenges are compounded by barriers to accessing healthcare and the need to navigate systemic inequalities.
Rosie Tressler, CEO of Student Minds, said: “There is a real cliff edge when students reach adulthood. We find that signposting to what support services are available varies by area. It’s especially challenging for racialised students who often face unique barriers to accessing support and who must navigate racial inequalities in both higher education and healthcare.”
Delva Patman, CEO of The Health Lottery Foundation, said:
“We were impressed by the focus on empowering students to speak on behalf of themselves and challenge when necessary, rather than Student Minds trying to ‘fix’ issues on their behalf.”
The trained student leaders will develop mental health toolkits and strengthen their resilience, while providing peer support and representing their communities.
The initiative marks another step in The Health Lottery’s mission to support reduce health inequalities in communities across Great Britain.
Learn more at healthlottery.co.uk/good-causes
About The Health Lottery
The Health Lottery’s Big Win draws operate 7 days a week and since launch, more than 21 million people have won prizes, with over £174 million paid out so far.
Thanks to players of The Health Lottery over £135 million has been raised for health and wellbeing projects across Great Britain.
About The Health Lottery Foundation
The Health Lottery Foundation was set up in January 2025 and makes sure that the money raised by Health Lottery players flows back into local communities and makes a difference where it’s most needed. It will fund projects that unite people to improve health, wellbeing and happiness. www.thehealthlotteryfoundation.org.uk
