Speakers
Sandev Panaser
Presentation
This session explores the evolving landscape of university mental health support, emphasising the need to integrate a social model of disability and mental health interventions. By addressing both peer support and social prescribing, Sandev Panaser (Forward Thinking Birmingham NHS) and Jane Thakoordin (The Children’s Society) examine how universities can move beyond medical approaches to provide holistic, inclusive support. Learn about how external wellbeing interventions can provide extended benefits in relation to early intervention strategies, which offer non-medical support for students. This session highlights how universities can create environments where inclusion is embedded in practice, ensuring that students with disabilities are fully supported in their academic journey.
Sandev Panaser is a dedicated mental health professional with a strong background in psychology and over a decade of experience working across universities in the Midlands. His work has focused on promoting mental health and wellbeing within higher education. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Sandev worked on the creation of "Pause@Uni," an early intervention mental health drop-in service at the University of Birmingham. More recently, Sandev has taken on the role of Peer Support and University Mental Health Lead at Forward Thinking Birmingham NHS, where he is responsible for establishing a Peer Support Service for universities in Birmingham. His innovative approach to embedding lived experience into mental health services has been pivotal in fostering student resilience and wellbeing. Beyond his work in mental health he runs a business specialising in digital accessibility solutions for higher education, helping institutions create more inclusive learning environments through accurate lecture transcription.
Jane Thakoordin is a multifaceted artist, mental health advocate, and social work lecturer. As the manager of a university-based mental health service, she plays a key role in supporting students through early intervention. Jane works with The Children’s Society, where she leads a successful drop-in mental health service, which was created using funding from the Office for Students. Beyond her managerial roles, Jane founded Birmingham Artivistas, a collective dedicated to blending creativity with political activism, two passions that drive her work. In 2016, she also established The Black and Blue Collective, a live arts organisation that collaborates with artists and individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges. Her work continually reflects her commitment to using art for social change and empowerment.