Increasing mental health challenges among students is a growing concern within higher education: institutions are now prioritising mental health as a key aspect of student support and well-being. Despite increased research, there remains a gap in addressing the unique difficulties faced by students with mental health challenges, particularly in online learning environments. 

Although students who share mental health difficulties are less likely to complete their studies, those who do achieve academic outcomes comparable to their peers without mental health issues. This highlights the untapped potential of students with mental health difficulties yet the barriers they face such as stigma and lack of support often prevent academic success.

In response to these barriers, the OU (Open University) has launched a two-year, pan-university research project to explore the factors that enable or hinder success for their distance learning students with mental health conditions. The aim is to identify enablers and barriers to academic progress, explore the resources students use to support their mental health and identify what is missing. 

The research team consists of four academics including a PhD student whose lived experience of mental health challenges is expected to foster a more empathetic research process. We will be forming a reference group of students with lived experience of mental health issues as well as recruiting experts in student mental health support. Data collection began in March 2025 using a mixed methods approach drawing on participants from all four Faculties of the OU. Research is focussing on courses with the greatest awarding gaps for students with mental health concerns.

Preliminary results suggest that the majority of students do not declare their mental health condition at registration; of those that do the majority contact the OU support teams and their tutor. Students report that flexible approaches to learning are essential particularly recorded tutorial sessions. Invisible networks such as family, friends and partners remain crucial buffers to enable students to engage with learning. That said, gaps in support remain including missed follow-up appointments and difficulty in maintaining contact. A key finding is that students experience a strong need for timely and personalised intervention, especially near deadlines.

Deeper analysis will utilise Networking Mapping. Network Mapping is a method of identifying support networks that students use to obtain encouragement, information, emotional and practical assistance. This approach will identify the support structures available to students, pinpoint gaps, and highlight the most effective resources currently in use.

The anticipated outcomes of this research are significant. By understanding the barriers and enablers experienced by students studying online with mental health challenges the study will indicate how to create a more inclusive and supportive academic environment. The findings will inform evidence-based recommendations to enhance student support systems, reduce stigma, and improve resources for students facing mental health difficulties. Ultimately, the results will benefit not only the OU but also other higher education institutions looking to create more equitable and supportive academic environments for students.

Keywords: Mental health, barriers, enablers.