Mental Health Awareness Week runs from Monday 9 - Sunday 15 May and is the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health, hosted by the Mental Health Foundation.
The theme for this year is 'Loneliness'. According to the Mental Health Foundation, ‘One in four adults feel lonely some or all of the time. There’s no single cause and there’s no one solution. After all, we’re all different! But, the longer we feel lonely, the more we are at risk of mental health problems. Some people are also at higher risk of feeling lonely than others.’
You can access lots of helpful resources on the Mental Health Foundation website, including:
How DMU can support you during Mental Health Awareness Week and beyond
Healthy DMU: Mindfulness and Masterclasses
HealthyDMU Masterclasses are a series of sessions which include interactive activities. There are also resources that will support you and your studies whilst at DMU and we have developed a programme which is available for you to book on to.
Mindfulness is used by many people around the world to reduce stress and support wellbeing.
Regular mindful practice can boost feelings of wellbeing, helping to manage the distractions in our day to day life, needed now more than ever in the current pandemic.
Live sessions will take place every week during term time and you can go to as many as you wish. You can find out more information and book from the HealthyDMU hub.
Students who attend four separate Masterclasses or more will have this formally recognised as an achievement on their Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR).
Single Point of Access Appointments
To ensure that we direct you to the appropriate service you must first book a Single Point of Access Appointment (SPA)where your needs will be assessed. These appointments can be booked via MyGateway.
If you are already working with one of the teams mentioned then please contact them in the first instance, follow the link on team name to email them.
What is a Single Point of Access Appointment (SPA)?
- A 45-minute appointment.
- An opportunity to discuss your situation with a member of support staff.
- You will be offered advice on the day and referral to a member of the wellbeing team.
- At the end of the appointment, you will be given an action plan of what to do next.
Appointments are offered Monday to Friday and dates are released two weeks in advance. Appointments are also released on the day at 8am.
Find us on Twitter @DMUwellbeing for tips and info on a range of mental health and wellbeing issues.
Free support available to all students
DMU has access to a platform called Togetherall, to help current students who are looking for support with their wellbeing while at university.
Togetherall is designed to help students get support, take control and feel better. It provides 24/7 peer-to-peer support (moderated by professional wall guides) plus a range of courses and tools to help students self-manage their wellbeing.
The safe and anonymous platform is a place for students to virtually get together to support each other without judgement, while also recognising mental health does not discriminate; we all have to look after it.
It is completely free and students can access the webpage by registering with your DMU email address.
Student Space
Student Space is here for students through coronavirus and is available to all higher education students across England and Wales. Student Space offers:
- access to confidential support via text, phone, email and webchat
- online resources
- find help available at university
Not all students have been impacted by the pandemic equally. Student Minds provide tailored support on Student Space for students who might have been more acutely affected by the pandemic, including Black students, trans students and students with particular mental health difficulties.
You can find out more information on how to access support from their website.
DMUsport and DMUactive
Taking part in regular physical activity is a great way to look after and boost your wellbeing, both physically and mentally. Whether you decide to play basketball with some friends, take part in a yoga session or go for a walk, regular physical activity can help you to de-stress, keep fit and stay connected.
DMUsport and DMUactive deliver a range of free activity throughout term 3, from face-to-face football sessions to virtual fitness sessions, there is something for everyone. Book your place via MyGateway.
Posted on Tuesday 10 May 2022