How Charlotte’s wellbeing journey helped her see success

Published on 13, May, 2025

Charlotte Proud, who studies on the Registered Nursing Degree Apprenticeship programme (Mental Health Nursing), has had to deal with stress in her professional and personal life.

This National Mental Health Awareness Week (12-18 May), Charlotte has shared how the University’s wellbeing services have helped support her during her studies.

Charlotte was two years old when she was diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, more commonly referred to as Brittle Bone Disease, causing her bones to break more easily, as well as affecting other parts of her body such as tendons and ligaments. The 33-year-old has experienced more than 50 fractures and undergone 13 surgeries.

Charlotte said: "Alongside my condition, I’ve always been a determined person - but anxious. I always put a lot of pressure on myself and in my first year I could really feel the anxiety building. Last year my friend, sadly, died from suicide. This was a huge shock and I approached the University’s wellbeing team for ongoing support.

"The whole Student Support and Wellbeing team at the University are absolutely amazing and very supportive. They are really approachable, understanding, compassionate, patient and always willing to listen. The support that I've received has had a huge impact on my confidence and general health.

“I've grown so much from when I started at the University in January 2023. I've been able to progress in my studies with excellent feedback and results throughout.”

National Mental Health Awareness Week was created with the aim of bringing the UK together to focus on good mental health.

This year the theme of the week is 'community', and students and staff at the University of Sunderland are coming together to celebrate and support their community, with talks and events, from mindful colouring in, to free fitness sessions and even the chance to make Eurovision biscuits.

The University of Sunderland recently achieved the University Mental Health Charter Award, making it one of just seventeen institutions in the UK to be recognised by Student Minds, an independent voice for university mental health.

The award shines a spotlight on institutions such as the University that have implemented a whole-community approach to student and staff mental health.

Charlotte added: "If a student is experiencing anxiety or stress, I would say reach out, talk and ask for help. It can be really difficult at first but you will definitely feel better for it, whether it initially be a friend, your tutor, GP or the University Wellbeing team.”

You can find out more about Mental Health Awareness Week here: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/

For Mental Health support contact: wellbeing@sunderland.ac.uk

For online support, try our FREE Silvercloud modules - https://sj.sunderland.ac.uk/wellbeing/silvercloud/

Overnight Support for your Mental Health is available to all students - from 6.30pm-6.30am, 7 nights a week. Call: 0191 515 2451. All calls are free and confidential.

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