University Mental Health Day fell on 3rd March, with events continuing through to 4th March.
The University Mental Health Advisors Network piloted the event in 2008 with the original premise to hold events to raise the visibility of mental health on campus, and so to break down stigma.
This year they held two webinars exploring the positive impact green spaces can have on mental health and wellbeing.
Sam Gamblin, UMHAN Charity Manager, said: “We believe it’s vitally important that students with mental health conditions are supported by well-trained and supported practitioners; but student wellbeing and mental health awareness should be priorities for the whole university.
“Everyone has some responsibility for their own wellbeing - and we’d urge students (and staff) to look at the 5 Steps to Mental Wellbeing and apply these principles to their own lives.”
Gamblin added: “We’d encourage students to make sure they are registered with a GP close to where they are studying, and to take some time to understand what support services are available.”
In 2008 there were very few events held at a select few universities - all put on by UMHAN members.
Since then, the event has grown and awareness has increased.
UMHAN now work in partnership with Student Minds, supporting many universities, such as Birmingham City University.
Mental Health Society President, Bilal Hussain, said: “Promoting mental health events and making students aware of taking care of their mental health is more than just one day, something as big as this should get more recognition.
“I definitely think it’s not just about the awareness, it’s encouraging students, or anyone really, to be comfortable speaking about what they feel they need to speak about, events like this allow us to.
“From my own experience and from other students I’ve spoken to, it’s like there’s this barrier when it comes to speaking about our emotions and feelings or any issues or concerns that we may have
“As a student there’s underlying pressures with our studies. It’s proving how important it is to look after ourselves mentally.
“Whether you have deadlines, if it’s your personal life, anything of the sort, we can also help as a society by signposting students to the right places, the main place being the mental health and wellbeing team which is within BCU.
“Students need someone they can relate to, so I definitely think the society like ours is a great accessible tool that we hope to carry on with.
“We know the foundations of how to help and the advisors like UMHAN we can direct them to.”
Image provided by University Mental Health Advisors Network.
This blog post was created and submitted as part of a second year BCU assignment.
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