It was great to have so many of you involved this University Mental Health Day, and it's never too early to start planning ahead for next year. Here's some tips to help you get started:
1) Join the online movement
Now more than ever, it’s important that staff and students join together to get the nation talking about student mental health. Social media is a great tool to reach lots of people across the country. Join thousands of people online using #UniMentalHealthDay and craft your own campaign by sharing how and why you want to improve the future of student mental health.
2) Take part in events
This year there were lots of virtual and in person events and activities happening across the UK for you to get involved with.
Not sure what event to run? Take a look at our events map and wall of fame for inspiration!
Not sure what event to run? Take a look at our events map and wall of fame for inspiration!
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Life after a Pandemic Webinar
On Thursday 9th March, at 10:30 am, we heard directly from students about the challenges that they face, as well as professionals in the higher education and mental health sectors about three major topics:
If you missed the event live- don't worry! You can still watch it here. |
3) Download, print and share our resources
If you received this year's free physical and digital resource packs then please let us know what you thought!
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You can also explore Student Minds resources from posters to postcards and Student Space digital assets - videos, social media images and posters.
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4) Fundraise for Student Minds or UMHAN
We always love seeing the creative ways people fundraise to support student mental health on University Mental Health Day. If you’re interested in putting on an event, why not try one of the below:
Fundraise for Student Minds
It’s easy to set up a Student Minds page linked to our University Mental Health Day event on JustGiving. Please get in touch with fundraising@studentminds.org.uk if you have any questions or would like to discuss your plans with us.
If you're looking for a more substantial challenge, you might be interested in taking on our Step into Spring for Student Mental Health challenge. You can take on the challenge on your own or as part of a team. All you need to do is pick a distance and travel it by any means of your choice between 1st and 31st March. As the days get warmer and the evenings get brighter, let’s move for our minds together.
- Sponsored walk: Bring students and staff together to get outside over lunch hour. Have a catch up, spot the plants slowly beginning to emerge and take a break.
- Bake sale: Very few things taste better than a home-made cake. Why not set up a bake sale in a communal area and encourage people to stay and chat whilst they eat your creations.
- Quiz: Whether online or in person, quizzes bring people together, in (mostly) friendly competition. You could even include a round themed around University Mental Health Day.
Fundraise for Student Minds
It’s easy to set up a Student Minds page linked to our University Mental Health Day event on JustGiving. Please get in touch with fundraising@studentminds.org.uk if you have any questions or would like to discuss your plans with us.
If you're looking for a more substantial challenge, you might be interested in taking on our Step into Spring for Student Mental Health challenge. You can take on the challenge on your own or as part of a team. All you need to do is pick a distance and travel it by any means of your choice between 1st and 31st March. As the days get warmer and the evenings get brighter, let’s move for our minds together.
Donate to UMHAN
Support the amazing work the University Mental Health Advisors Network by donating to support our work.
Support the amazing work the University Mental Health Advisors Network by donating to support our work.
Donate to Student Minds
You can also support Student Minds by making a donation here.
You can also support Student Minds by making a donation here.
5) Share Student Space
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Student Space, run by Student Minds, is here to help you find the support that you need. Hear from other students, explore a range of trusted information and tools to guide you through the uncertainty of student life. On issues such as:
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6) Check out the Cost of Living Hub
Academic pressure, money worries and loneliness. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed at university. Navigating identity, discrimination and global concerns can all make student life even tougher. We recognise that the current cost of living crisis is another factor which is seriously affecting the mental health and wellbeing of students.
Our Cost of Living hub is here to provide you with resources to learn and talk about the cost-of-living crisis and its impact on student mental health. Hear directly how students are already being affected and find support if you are experiencing financial difficulties. Student Minds hear you and we are here for you.
Our Cost of Living hub is here to provide you with resources to learn and talk about the cost-of-living crisis and its impact on student mental health. Hear directly how students are already being affected and find support if you are experiencing financial difficulties. Student Minds hear you and we are here for you.
7) Become a member of the University Mental Health Charter
The University Mental Health Charter provides a set of evidence-informed principles to support universities across the UK in making mental health a university-wide priority. The Charter Award recognises those universities that promote good mental health and demonstrate excellent practice.
- Check if your university is a member of the programme, demonstrating their commitment to a whole-university approach to mental health and wellbeing
- If your uni is a member ask your SU who is leading the student engagement to get involved
- If your uni isn't a member, ask them to sign up!
However you do it, make sure you get involved this University Mental Health Day. Together we can inspire conversations, take action and create change!
