We're passionate about supporting our students to be healthy and to reach their full potential whilst at University. Mental health plays a key role in this. We work closely with University support services and external partners to deliver a range of activities around University Mental Health Day, World Mental Health Day, and Mental Health Awarness Week. We also run various campaigns at key points throughout the year, including Welcome Week, Varsity, and during exam and assessment periods.
Mental Health in Sport
Physical activity can have a profound and positive impact on mental wellbeing. Being physically active can improve mood, decrease the chance of depression and anxiety, and lead to a better and more balanced lifestyle. Through our clubs and societies, and recreational sport offering, we encourage as many of our students as possible to get involved in some form of physical activity during their time at Worcester.
It's also crucial for us to encourage positive conversations around mental health in sport. Last year our Sports Coordinator held a Mental Health in Sport workshop designed to increase the knowledge, confidence, and skills relating to mental health for students participating in sport, educating club committees on how to identify and signpost those who may be experiencing problems.
It Takes Ball to Talk
Based in Coventry and Warwickshire, It Takes Balls to Talk wants to get men talking about their health and feelings, using outreach at sporting venues. We helped launch the first pilot of the scheme in Worcestershire during our Varsity 'Worcester Wednesday' at the University Arena. Staff from Worcester and Gloucester University counselling services joined student volunteers, and the campaign's founder Alex Cotton, in promoting the initiative. We have since worked with the It Takes Balls to Talk team, inviting them to a number of key SU events to speak with our students.
Guide Dogs Pat and Chat
Everyone loves a puppy and what could be better than a Guide Dog puppy? We've invited the Guide Dogs team to the SU on a number of occassions to help our students relax, smile, and become smitten with the dogs (let's just say not a lot of work gets done on these days). Our furry friends have been a big hit on campus with students and staff and we can't wait to have them back again in the future!
If you have any ideas on how we can support students' mental health, please get in touch with us here. We'd love to hear from you.