On the National Day of Reflection we pause to think about the challenges we have faced, marking one year of multiple lockdowns and acknowledging the loss and uncertainty we have experienced.
We know this has been a challenging year for our students with the move to online and blended learning. Wellbeing and mental health support have been particularly important during this time and it’s essential that we continue to support each other and look after our mental health.
To help support you we’re offering Mentally Healthy Universities workshops to all students, in conjunction with mental health charity Mind.
Join these free wellbeing sessions to help you to understand mental health better and make the most of the support that is available around the university. These sessions have been designed by Mind, alongside students, and are delivered by experienced mental health trainers.
Students share their experiences
We know this year has been particularly difficult for students. This has been reiterated time and time again by many who have attended our Mind wellbeing workshops.
In these sessions, students have spoken about their feelings of loneliness, anxiety about the future, and being upset at missing out on a ‘normal’ university experience. All of these feelings are completely understandable and valid; and our workshops aim to bring students together to chat in a safe and open environment about all things mental health and wellbeing.
People were very welcoming and understanding. I felt less alone and more connected. It was nice to talk openly about mental health.
Students often say that attending our workshops has made them feel less stressed and more connected. They particularly enjoy how interactive our sessions are, as they have the opportunity to meet and chat informally with other students that they might not come across otherwise.
These weekly meetups have given me more structure in these uncertain times. It has really helped me. I have really enjoyed the sessions and am sad they are coming to an end.
Join the workshops
As the end of another term approaches, our wellbeing workshops are starting to wind down. Over the next two months, this will be one of the last opportunities to attend our workshops for this academic year.
There are three types of online, interactive workshops covering Wellbeing Essentials for Students, Tools and Techniques for Student Mental Health and Looking After Your Mental Health at Work.
The workshops are now open to postgraduate students, as well as undergraduates.
You can find out more information about how to book your place here.
The trainer was really friendly and understanding and I liked that it was fun and interactive. Everyone participated and no one was judgmental.
Hear from students about their experiences attending our workshops, as well as our staff experiences and some tips on dealing with loneliness and stress.
Resources and support for students
Learn about the wellbeing support that is available to you at the university and beyond to help you through the challenges of blended learning and university life.
Togetherall: you can access a range of support through the Togetherall community, providing a safe place to talk with free 24-hour online mental health support.
Student Space: ran by the UK’s student mental health charity provides 24/7 support and advice, and resources and tools to help with the challenges of student life.
Student Mental Health Hub: mental health charity Mind have a Student Resource Hub with useful wellbeing tips and information.
You can also continue to make use of the wellbeing resources on the University Mental Health Day web page and in our Wellbeing Hub.
Please remember the university is here to help and support you.
