Wellbeing Essentials for Students

This course is run by Bristol Mind in partnership with the University of Bristol as part of Mind’s Mentally Healthy Universities Programme. (Please note this is available exclusively to University of Bristol undergraduates. You will need a valid student number and UoB email address to register).

Over 85% of students who took part last year said they had a better understanding of mental health problems and wellbeing after participating.

· One session

· Two hours

· 10-15 students per workshop

We all have mental health and managing mental health and wellbeing is a key part of thriving at university. This workshop is for all undergraduate students and explores what mental health is, how wellbeing can support mental health, where to find support and how to talk to others about mental health. After attending, students will be given access to a curated resource hub with additional tools and information.

Is this workshop right for me?

The Mentally Healthy Universities Programme aims to prevent poor mental health and wellbeing by helping you to look after yourself during your studies and into the workplace, and to know what support is available should you need it. The sessions are not a replacement for 1-1 support.

What will I get out of the course?

This workshop is designed to introduce you to some key mental health topics that we think every student should know. The session will help you to:

· Appreciate different experiences of mental health, define mental health problems and identify the relationship between mental health and mental wellbeing

· Understand how you can build social connection during your studies

· Give you tips to feel more confident starting conversations about mental health

· Identify signs and symptoms of common mental health problems

· Know where to go for support both within and outside the university if you ever need it

· Understand what a wellness action plan in and how to use it

Throughout the session you’ll also get the opportunity to talk to other students about the pressures of university life and how to stay well, guided by an experienced mental health trainer.

Wellbeing Essentials for Students FAQ

The most common questions students have asked us can be found below. However, if there's something you're still unclear on please contact our project coordinator, Charlotte, at CharlotteR@bristolmind.org.uk.

1.Does it cost anything to sign up?

No, this course is completely free. It is open to any undergraduate student at University of Bristol who would like to learn more about mental health or looking after their wellbeing.

2.How will I be expected to participate in the workshop?

An experienced mental health trainer from Mind will lead the workshop, which will be with around 10-15 students. The trainer will take you through some key issues around managing wellbeing during your studies and will bring this to life with interactive activities and discussions.

The trainer will set ground rules at the beginning of the course around confidentiality and boundaries: the sessions are designed to be a safe and welcoming space for students to discuss looking after their mental health and wellbeing.

We find that students get the most out of the course if they fully participate in the discussions and activities. For online workshops we encourage everyone to join with their video and microphone switched on.

But how much you say or share is entirely up to you. We know that some students might not feel comfortable taking part in certain discussions or activities, so there will be no pressure to do so. For online workshops, you will also be free to contribute at any time using the chat function.

3. Can I take part in the course anonymously?

Before you sign up you will be made aware if your name or contact details will be visible to others, depending on the video conferencing platform being used. If it’s possible, you will be given information about how to change your display name. When you sign up we will ask you for a contact number in case of emergency, but we will only ever use this if we are worried about a participant during a session.

4. Do I have to have my camera on during the workshop?

No, you don’t have to. You are free to turn your camera off at any point during the session and join with audio only.

However, we do encourage students to join with their cameras on if possible. We think being able to see each other really helps to create an environment where everyone feels safe to explore the topics that the course covers

5. Will the workshop be recorded?

No, our sessions will never be recorded.

6. Will what I say during the workshops be shared with anyone?

This course is a space for you to explore and discuss topics around mental health and wellbeing with peers and a mental health trainer. At the start of the session the trainer will set some ground rules in terms of boundaries and confidentiality. What you say during the workshops will only be shared by the trainer if there is a serious safeguarding concern and they believe that you or others are at risk of harm.

7. Can I sign up with a friend?

This can be a great workshop to do with a friend.

Doing this course together means that you will be better equipped with the knowledge and skills to help yourselves, each other, and other friends that might be struggling. We just ask that your friend registers for the event separately.