Join in and open up on University Mental Health Day
It can be so easy to feel overwhelmed by university life, which is why it’s essential to open up and talk about how you’re feeling. We want to create an environment where you can share your mental health experiences, to help you thrive and feel supported during your time at BU.
From 11 to 15 March, we’re hosting numerous events and activities to get as many people involved with #UniMentalHealthDay as possible.
Our wellbeing services
While we have lots going on during the week, it’s important to let you know about our health and wellbeing services that you can access throughout the year; our webpages are packed with information that can point you in the right direction.
If you’re not really sure where to start, you can either attend a drop-in session or make an appointment with one of our Wellbeing Advisers. If you’re not sure if this is the right route for you, you can speak to a member of our Achieve team who offer a wide range of support and advice, so you can make the most of your time with us.
SUBU Advice – who can be found on the second floor of the Student Centre – offer independent, confidential and non-judgemental advice and support.
If the support you need is more urgent, you can speak to an adviser or counsellor round the clock for mental health guidance and support via our Student Assistance Programme. This is a free 24-hour confidential helpline (0800 028 3766) and digital resource to support you with personal or student-related problems. The service also has a dedicated language line which can offer counselling, emotional or practical support in over 200 languages.
And on Talbot Campus, the University Retreat provides a safe space if you feel you’re struggling to cope and need help. You don't need an appointment; just pop in and talk to one of our friendly team from Monday to Saturday, 2pm – 9pm.
If you’re a parent or a carer for a young child or teenager, the Bright Horizons webpage is packed with useful resources dedicated to working/studying parents navigating the all-important realm of children’s mental health. Packed with expert advice and actionable tips for fostering open communication and promoting emotional resilience, these resources are designed to support your parenting journey as you try to balance studying and family.
What’s happening this week for University Mental Health Day?
From free massages and fitness classes to exhibitions and immersing yourself in nature, you can get involved in as much – or as little! – as you like.
Free fitness and physical wellbeing activities – all week
SportBU has loads going on throughout the week, in support of the BRIT Challenge, which exists to support and improve the mental health, fitness, and wellbeing of young adults, students, and staff, throughout the UK. Full details are on the website, but here’s a flavour of what to expect:
Monday: Find us at the gym or the ground floor of the Student Centre on Talbot Campus, where you can try out as part of the individual and team fitness challenges we’ll be hosting (or simply cheer on your friends!). Our newly renovated gym will be open to everyone for free on Monday. And all of our fitness classes – including our new virtual LES Mills classes – will be free for the whole day.
Tuesday: Our Campus Sport programme gives you the opportunity to enjoy sport in a social, beginner friendly environment. You have access to over 50 hours a week of activities across 19 different sports, and on Tuesday we’re giving you the chance to try out some of our most popular activities.
Wednesday: Jump on one of the free shuttle buses and enjoy a day of sporting fun at Chapel Gate! From 10am until 5pm you can watch our fantastic football, hockey and rugby teams showcase the new facilities, including the new 3G pitch.
There will also be a range of wellbeing services that you can chat to on the day, including Dorset Mind, Samaritans, Live Well Dorset, in addition to our own BU wellbeing services.
If you’re looking for a place to unwind, head to our woodland area where you can relax by the fire in a hammock. You can also give one of our craft activities a go, like whittling, fire lighting, shelter building or soft tip archery. Paralympic British rower Naomi Riches MBE will also be joining us on the day.
Friday: REVIVE is a a one-day health and wellbeing event that offers all BU staff and students a range of wellbeing advice as well as any physical rehabilitation you may need. Whether you're looking to make progress with your health and fitness goals or simply take a break from your computer to get a free massage, there's something for everyone to enjoy and benefit from. And for one day only, it’s all free!
SUBU is inviting you to join them for a day in nature, with the chance to relax, reflect and enjoy some refreshments in the quiet woodland area at Chapel Gate.
The Friendly Food Club will be demonstrating how to cook a hearty soup and bread over the campfire which you can enjoy in the surroundings of nature. You'll also learn how to put up your own hammock, take some time to relax and have a swing; light your own fire and take a break from the stress of day-to-day life.
For full details about travel arrangements, what to bring and how to book a space (tickets are £3), please head to the SUBU website.
Strength and Conditioning Coach Hazel Manrique will provide an enlightening and empowering guest talk on women's health and explore several key topics that directly impact the wellbeing of women, including hormonal health, understanding your cycle and exercise for women. To find out more and book your place, please head to Eventbrite.
A photo exhibition on nature and examining the concept of diagnosis, by BU Master’s student Sarah Clark. Sarah’s work will be exhibited in the Atrium Gallery in Poole House from 9am to 8pm.
Consider volunteering – any time of the year!
This University Mental Health Day, ResLifeBU is encouraging you to consider volunteering. Volunteering your time to help others can help to provide a sense of meaning and appreciation and this can reduce stress and increase positive, relaxed feelings. It can also be a great way to meet like-minded people.
