This week sees the launch of a new campaign which aims to help all our students take steps to achieve and maintain good mental wellbeing.
The campaign, which is based on the NHS’s 5 Steps to Mental Wellbeing, will explore ideas and things to try which may make you feel happier, more positive and able to get the most from life and your studies.
To start things off this week we are looking at step one: Connecting
Connecting with the people around you is a great way to improve mental wellbeing.
Some of us have very large networks of family and friends and some small, tight-knit groups. Whatever your circle looks like your family, friends and even fellow students, colleagues and neighbours can be incredibly important to our mental wellbeing.
Building stronger, wider social connections can help us to feel happier and more secure. They can build your sense of belonging and self-worth, give us the chance to share our feelings and receive (and provide) emotional support.
Spend some time making and developing your connections. You could try:
- Cooking a meal for housemates and sitting down together to eat
- Organising a weekend day out with friends or family at one of Liverpool’s hidden gems
- Taking a small gift over to your new neighbours to introduce yourself if you have recently moved into a new house
- Making the effort to phone – it’s easy to just text or message, but talking is better
- Volunteer at a local charity or community group – Liverpool Guild of Students has loads of opportunities for students
- Join a new society – now is a great time to connect and make new friends via a shared interest or hobby
University of Liverpool undergraduate student Nikita, has been exploring the best ways to connect. Find out how she got on by watching her video here:
Over the next few weeks we will be encouraging all students to try out the NHS’s Five Steps to Mental Wellbeing. Keep an eye on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts as well as our Student News pages for ideas around how you can get involved.
How to get support if you need it
If at any time during your studies you feel you might benefit from some extra support, we are here to help.
We offer a wellbeing drop-in between 11am-3pm every weekday in the Alsop Building for practical and pastoral support in a confidential space. You don’t need to book – simply come along to the Student Welfare Advice and Guidance Information Point on the ground floor of the Alsop Building (on University Square).
Services available for our students include:
- Student Welfare Advice and Guidance – confidential service to provide help and support to students
- Counselling Service – free and confidential advice to current students
- Mental Health Advisory Service – help and advice with mental health needs
- Big White Wall – 24/7 peer and professional support service
- SilverCloud free online self-help modules – Space from Stress, Anxiety, Depression and Positive Body Image modules which can be completed for free
- Bibliotherapy resources – a collection of self-help books which can be accessed for free
- Relaxation Programme – available to stream and download and is designed to be used with a self-assessment relaxation diary
- Self Help Hub online – Access information about a range of issues including anxiety, depression and exam worries
- Groups and workshops – the Counselling Service run regular groups and workshops
- Additional support – A list of other support networks you can access can be found on our Counselling Service webpages here.