Taking place on Thursday 14 March, University Mental Health Day aims to make students’ mental health a priority by raising awareness of the subject and showcasing the help available for those studying or working at the university.
Throughout University Mental Health Day, Healthy DMU is hosting events and seminars at The Breathing Space, located at the back of the Portland Building.
While much work has been done to remove the stigma of mental health problems, it continues to be a major health issue. The charity Mind estimates that one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year.
DMU has a range of support available to its students, which is accessible by emailing wellbeing@dmu.ac.uk or by booking a Single Point of Access (SPA) appointment via MyGateway.
Here’s a breakdown of the events happening on University Mental Health Day, which are open to both staff and students:
Crafts and doughnuts – 11am
Pop down to the Breathing Space just before lunch and enjoy making bracelets and keyrings as part of University Mental Health Day. Don’t forget to have a doughnut, you’ve earned that mid-morning treat!
Book now.
The Atrium, Campus Centre -11am – 2pm
The Campus Centre will be hosting representatives from both the university’s Mental Health and Wellbeing services and external institutions.
FirstStepsED offers support for students who may have an eating disorder, encouraging and empowering people to get help quickly.
Harmless is the national centre of excellence for self-harm and suicide prevention, and provides We providing support, information, training and consultancy to individuals who self-harm, their friends, families and professionals.
Vitaminds works in partnership with the NHS to provide talking therapy services as well as advice and guidelines on accessing phycological therapies. It’s a free service, which doesn’t require a visit to the GP.
No appointments are necessary, simply come down to the Campus Centre and have a chat to the teams.
Mindfulness seminar – 12 – 12.30pm
The university’s weekly mindfulness seminar takes place at the earlier time of 12 midday.
Mindfulness focuses on being fully present, aware of where we are and what we're doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed
Learning to focus on the here and now can help to improve concentration and regular mindful practice can boost our feelings of wellbeing, helping to manage the distractions in our day-to-day life.
Book now.
Working Lunch: Be the best version of yourself Masterclass – 12.30 – 2pm
Over lunch, the team will be exploring ways to boost your self-esteem in this calming masterclass. It will explore the importance of self-care, in particular the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ and utilise that to create your own self-care routine.
Lunch is included, so make sure you don’t miss out.
Book now.
Look after your mate workshop – 2.30 – 4.30pm
Finally, the day rounds off with a workshop that helps students feel confident in supporting their university friends during potentially mentally challenging periods.
This two-hour workshop will include practical tips on how to set boundaries and help advise friends on the support available to them either through the university or external organisations.
Book now.
Posted on Friday 8 March 2024