Heads together for mental health & wellbeing

University Mental Health Day will focus on spreading the message that mental health, like physical health, is important. This year’s campaign theme is ‘#HeadsTogether’ which recognises that recognises that everyone has mental health and we all can get involved in making a difference to the state of mental health at universities.

On Friday 4 March, Psychotherapist Gareth Hughes will discuss anxiety and learning; Dietitian Ursula Philpot will be talking about myths, misconceptions and misunderstandings in eating disorders; Anup Manota will be talking about his work with Karma Nirvana, a UK-registered charity that supports victims and survivors of Forced Marriage (FM) and Honour Based Abuse (HBA); and Dr Phil Cooper will join former professional rugby players to deliver their award winning ‘State of Mind’ educational session.

James Ewens, Senior Wellbeing Practitioner (Mental Health), who has been instrumental in organising the day, says: “The idea behind the afternoon lectures is to encourage and promote a conversation on campus about all things mental health. Mental Health affects us all, and events like this are an opportunity for people to engage in a subject that is often hard to talk about. It is hoped that such a day can:

• Raise awareness of the challenges that students face at university and what that means for their mental health
• Give students and staff the knowledge, confidence and skills to look after their own mental health and support their friends
• Encourage all members of the university community to think about their mental health and how they can look after themselves
• Encourage conversations between staff & students on campus about what can be done to improve approaches to mental health at university

University Mental Health and Wellbeing Day is an annual event aiming to focus efforts that promote the mental health of people who live and work in higher education. The initiative was started by University Mental Health Advisors Network (UMHAN), a national UK charity with members in practical roles dedicated to providing support to students experiencing mental health difficulties, it has been marked by higher education institutions, including our own, in various ways over the last few years.

Other activities

Mindfulness

Monday 29 February, 11:30-12:30, Students’ Union Meeting Room 2, Portland, City Campus & 12:00-12:50, 122 Priestley, Headingley Campus, no need to book, just drop in, For further information please contact studentwellbeing@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.

Sessions can help you feel more energised and focused, become more aware of your posture and shift from ‘doing’ to ‘being’ mode using simple exercises. Discover the evidence-based benefits of mindfulness practices on concentration, attention, physical and emotional wellbeing.

Mindfulness sessions at Headingley  run every Monday during term time. For further information please contact studentwellbeing@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.

Wellbeing Fairs

Come along to our Wellbeing Fairs, organised by our event management students on behalf of our Student Wellbeing team.

Tuesday 1 March, 12:00–15:00, Student Hub, Headingley Campus
Raise your drug/alcohol awareness, get some sexual/mental health advice and tips on staying safe around Leeds. There will be a therapist giving head massages, a yoga demonstration and a chance to make yourself a healthy drink with our smoothie bike.

Thursday 3 March, 12:00–15:00, Rose Bowl Atrium, City Campus

Raise your drug/alcohol awareness, get some sexual/mental health advice and tips on staying safe around Leeds. There will be a therapist giving head massages, a yoga demonstration and a chance to make yourself a healthy drink with our smoothie bike and find out how tasty vegan food can be.