University Mental Health Day on 13 March is a day that provides an opportunity to promote mental wellbeing, reduce stigma, and encourage open conversations about mental health challenges university communities might face.
It’s also another opportunity to be reminded of the support that is available to you all year round.
Some of you will have been here with us in Swansea for a while now, while some of you have only just arrived. Whatever your situation, we hope you’re doing well and enjoying your time at University.
We are all unique and deal with our challenges differently. We wanted to reach out to ask you, how are you doing?
If you do feel that you’d like some extra support, there are many different services and initiatives available to you, whether you’re an undergraduate, postgraduate, or research student.
Here are some we’d like to highlight:
Student support services
Hapus is an online course that you can take in bitesize chunks, that prepares you for the mental, emotional, and practical challenges of university.
You may encounter negative emotions or experiences as you transition into, or move through, life at Swansea University. This is perfectly normal.
We understand that university life can be both exciting and overwhelming, which is why we want to provide you with helpful strategies to navigate your time at Swansea.
Togetherall is a digital mental health service freely available at togetherall.com.
Using your University email address, you can anonymously access support 24/7 with trained clinicians online at all times, as well as access a range of helpful tools and resources. It is a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively and learn how to manage your mental health.
By registering for a Togetherall account you will have access to useful resources and can work through tailored self-help courses covering topics such as anxiety, stress, sleep, weight management, depression and many more at a pace which suits you.
In addition to the Hapus and Togetherall resources, you can find a range of specialist services, resources and information available to you on the Support and Wellbeing pages.
You might not need it right now, but it is always good to know where you can get support or guidance for yourself or a friend or classmate that might be going through a tough time.
Did you know that our libraries have a wellbeing collection with over 300 resoruces available to support you and your wellbeing.
From guides on how to survive and thrive for autistic students, to advice on staying calm and focused during study sessions, to 10 minute excercises for nervous system regulation and novels from well known authors such as Terry Pratchett, Margot Lee Shetterly and Michelle Obama.
We understand that financial stress can increase poor mental health and contribute negatively towards your wellbeing.
The Money@CampusLife team are here to provide information, advice and guidance on these matters, and can point eligible students in the direction of hardship grants and funding, should financial support be required.
Kardo’s experience
Everyone needs support at some point, and reaching out can make a world of difference to your university life experience.
Watch what Kardo had to say about his experience with the University’s Student Support Services, and how they prevented him from dropping out of university.
Physical health
Mental health and physical health are closely interconnected, meaning that a persons physical wellbeing can significantly impact their mental state.
The Get Active program offers a variety of fun activities for you to enjoy alongside your studies. You can make friends, try a new sport for the first time, or head off campus on one of the off-campus activity sessions.
Here’s what some of our students had to say about Get Active and how regular physical activity has a positive effect on their mental health.
Honestly, I wish I had Get ACTIVE in my first year because there were times that I felt a bit lonely on Bay Campus.
It has helped build a community there; I see people making friends and it’s good to see a real mix of nationalities and ethnicities coming together.
It makes me feel good to do it. I need some space away from the books and the studying. I meet new people and we chat about different things, and it helps me forget about studying for a while.
It’s felt like a huge relief to find the Get Active sessions. It’s changed my mindset and supported my wellbeing.
Eat well on campus
There’s a strong link between food and general wellbeing and mental health.
A healthy diet can improve mood and concentration, and can help fuel your mind and body.
The food menus at our catering outlets have healthy and nutritious options.
Through a range of cuisines from all over the world that’ll suit all tastebuds, you can be sure to keep up a healthy balanced diet.
Check out what healthy eating options are available on campus at affordable prices.
Volunteer with Discovery
Have you heard about the on campus student led volunteering charity called Discovery?
Discovery manages a wide range of student volunteering projects. There are lots of fun and rewarding opportunities available to you with Discovery, so why not check them out!
Volunteering is an amazing way to make new friends, learn skills and help your local community. Volunteering your time can also have incredible positive benefits to your own mental health and wellbeing. Here’s what Margot and Haritha had to say about their experiences and how it had a positive effect on their wellbeing.
Through volunteering I have met so many incredible people and made many friends. I had the opportunity to learn new skills without the fear of failing or not being good straight away.
I love coming to Discovery because of it’s positive impact on my wellbeing.
Discovery is one of my safe spaces and volunteering is always a breath of fresh air because no two days are the same. When things got stressful, Discovery opened my eyes to the various services available at the University for students wellbeing.
It gave me something to look forward to on some of my really bad days.
We’re here to support you
Your health and wellbeing are incredibly important to us and we wanted to make sure that you are all aware of the range of student support services we offer.
Sometimes life can bring up unexpected challenges so please be sure to read through and bookmark these links, so you know where there is support available to you should you ever need it!
Additionally, keep an eye out for upcoming events, workshops, and free resources that can enhance your university experience and help you with your overall well-being. If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to reach out to one of our friendly support teams. You can find a complete list of services on the MyUni website.
We hope you have a great term ahead!