University Mental Health site launched

Over the last few months we've been working on a very interesting project for the University of Sheffield. As part of its duty not only to educate, but to look after its students, the University runs a comprehensive medical and counselling service. The service was awarded funding by JISC to explore ways in which technology can be employed to help reach more people who may need it, engage users, and guide them to sources of help and information.

Called "Well Connected", the site has been in public beta for a number of months, and throughout the development process has taken feedback from student advisors and others from its target audience, right from the development of the look and feel to testing content. The project has now reached its conclusion, with a final version of the site design now live.

It even incorporates an interactive self-diagnosis psychological test, which asks the user a series of questions, then uses a recognised physiological assessment methodology to provide a personalised score, feedback, information, and where appropriate, further sources of information or referral to a suitable medical professional.

The site uses the latest HTML5 coding techniques, to ensure it is built as efficiently as possible, and features mobile and tablet friendly versions - a critical feature when many of its users may be accessing it via these devices.

• Visit the site: www.sheffield.ac.uk/wellconnected
• Read the case study