[Project HOpeS: help and orientation for students with mental health problems]

Project HOpeS aims to establish a special support service for students with mental health problems in Hamburg, Germany, modelled on a programme designed by the university of Münster. Students with mental health problems have to cope with reduced cognitive productivity, damaged self-confidence, stigmatisation, lack of adequate support and difficult basic conditions at German universities. On the other hand education is valued highly in German society and many subjects can be studied with a large degree of timely flexibility. These two factors can be possible resources for rehabilitation after severe mental disorder. Since summer 2000 HOpeS has organised weekly group meetings for students with mental health problems where these issues can be discussed. Further main aim is to teach relevant academic working skills. Providing specialised support for students with mental health problems avoids high personal and societal costs but requires only small funds. Such a service should be available at all universities and polytechnics.