Authenticating...
By: Communications
Thursday 14 March marks an important date in the UEA calendar - University Mental Health Day (UMHD). It’s a day dedicated to fostering conversations, raising awareness, and creating a supportive environment for mental wellbeing on campus.
The focal point of University Mental Health Day at UEA is 5 Ways to Wellbeing, taking place in The Hive from 10am to 3pm. The event promises to be an interactive and informative experience promoting the five key pillars that support mental health: Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, and Give Back.
As you enter The Hive, you'll be greeted by a collaborative centrepiece: the 5 Ways to Wellbeing wheel. Spin the wheel to explore the different approaches to strengthening your mental wellness and be in with a chance of winning a variety of prizes.
If you’re feeling low, anxious, or concerned about your wellbeing, the Wellbeing Service is here for you. Mental Health Advisers are on hand to give you the advice, support, and guidance you need. You can access mental health support whether you’re currently studying or taking a break.
How can they help?
The Wellbeing Service offers short-term support, advice and guidance relating to your mental health and wellbeing; this could be in the form of group sessions and workshops, one-to-one sessions, or support to access specialist services locally. To request support please complete this online referral form.
The Wellbeing Service offers an array of wellbeing workshops designed to support you in your journey at UEA. The workshops are mostly delivered online, so you can engage in a way that works best for you. Included in the lineup of upcoming workshops are:
Study Planning: Striking the Work/Wellbeing Balance
This workshop brings a holistic approach to study planning. As well as looking at why a study/life balance is key to increasing motivation, productivity, and an overall sense of wellness, you will explore strategies to be able to achieve this. It’s more than the concept of ‘taking a break,’ it’s recognising your commitments, learning to work smarter, recognising what works best for you and permitting yourself to do those activities which you enjoy as part of your routine, not just as a treat!
Tuesday 12 March, online, 1-3pm
Start, keep going & submit - How to write, even when it feels really difficult
If you experience paralysing writers block, anxiety related to writing or feel overwhelmed at sharing your written work for assessment, the ideas discussed in the workshop might help you. We will consider the reasons many people struggle to get going, keep going and submit written work.
Friday 22 March, 2-4pm, online
Friday 26 April, 2-4pm, online
Please fill in the online form to book onto any of the workshops. If you have any questions prior to booking, please email sts.workshops@uea.ac.uk
In addition to the Wellbeing service, the Student Information Zone (SIZ) is committed to supporting your mental health and overall wellbeing throughout the year. Through a range of activities and resources, the SIZ aims to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance and access support whenever you need it. Featured in the SIZ’s calendar are:
Lunch Break Drop-in: Need a break during your busy day? The SIZ sets up a lunch break drop-in every day from 12-2 pm. Here, you can engage in relaxing activities such as crosswords, sudoku, mindful colouring, or even build with Lego sets while enjoying a hot drink.
Craft activities: On selected Thursdays, indulge your creative side with Pick ‘n’ Mix Crafts hosted by Christina Brailsford from Brailsford Learning. These sessions offer a chance to unwind and express yourself through artistic tasks.
Therapy animals: The SIZ understands the therapeutic benefits of interacting with animals. That's why they frequently host visits from therapy animals, including dogs, mini donkeys, guinea pigs, and more.
Additionally, it's important to note that all SIZ advisors are trained mental health first aiders. This means that you can find a supportive environment at the SIZ, where trained professionals are ready to listen, provide assistance, and offer guidance whenever you need it.
StudentCrowd is contributing £1 to Student Minds for every new review left on their platform until 4 April. By sharing your experiences regarding how UEA or your accommodation has supported your mental health, you can help future peers make informed decisions while contributing to a worthy cause.
At UEA, your voice matters. Share your thoughts, ideas and suggestions through the weekly Student Pulse Survey or anonymously any time via the We're Listening Platform. If you ever feel that UEA is missing something or could do better in supporting you in your time here, we genuinely want to know. Your feedback drives positive change and helps us tailor our services to make your university experience the best it can be. Together, we can make UEA an even better place for all students.
University Mental Health Day serves as a reminder that mental health is a priority, and at UEA, support and resources are readily available for you. Let’s continue to foster a culture of openness, understanding, and support, not just on UMHD but every day of the year.
Due to planned essential maintenance, e:Vision will be unavailable to all students and staff from 6.30pm on Thursday 15 February to Monday 19 February inclusive.
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