University Mental Health Day – 5 March 2020

This year’s University Mental Health Day takes place on Thursday 5 March. To support this day, activities and events are being held across the university.

There are also a number of events taking place this week to support Eating Disorders Awareness Week which you can find out about on the student news page.

Take part in the Row Britannia Challenge

All BU students, staff and partner organisations are invited to take part in our five day Row Britannia Challenge to support University Mental Health Day and raise funds for Sport Relief.

Take some time out from your work/study and get away from your desk to challenge yourself to help us reach our target of 2020 miles rowed between 2 - 6 March.

Rowing stations will be available on both Talbot and Lansdowne Campuses, and you can follow how BU are getting on our ‘University Mental Health Day – Rowing Challenge’  Facebook Group.

Find out more about the challenge and how to take part on the SportBU microsite.

Mental Health Fair

On Thursday 5 March, SUBU in partnership with the Conversation Starter Podcast will be hosting a Mental Health Fair on the ground floor of the Student Centre between 10am – 1pm.

There will be a variety of stalls and booths including: Mind, Time to Talk, Big White Wall and BU & AUB Faith and Reflection who are here to share how they can help you with your mental health and wellbeing. You'll also have the opportunity to make your own bath bombs with Art at BU. You can find out more about the fair on the SUBU website.

Loneliness and Mental Health Panel

As well as the Mental Health Fair, SUBU and the Conversation Starter Podcast will be hosting a loneliness and mental health panel in FG06, between 1:30 – 3pm.

The panel will discuss how loneliness and mental health impact each other, and the impact it has on students and non-students alike. Including voices from MIND and Time To Change, this panel will feature people who can educate and inform, as well as answer any questions you have on loneliness and mental health. You can find out more and book your free ticket on the SUBU website.

ResLife activities in Halls of Residence

Animals can help you relax and focus while relieving stress and anxiety. ResLifeBU have organised for PB Animal Encounters to visit students living at BU Halls of residence between 2 and 8 March to give you the chance to unwind with fluffy – and some not so fluffy – animals.

Look after yourself

There are lots of events to take part in on the 5 March for University Mental Health Day, but it is so important to remember that there are always resources and people to help if you are struggling all year round. Below are just a handful of the resources available:

• Big White Wall is a an online mental health support service free for all BU students and staff available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This service is completely anonymous so you can express yourself freely and openly. You can find out more about the Big White Wall on our student webpage.
• At BU we have a designated link Samaritan that works closely with us to consider how best to support you whilst studying at BU. You can call the Samaritans free anytime on 116 123 or, if you are worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email [email protected]. You can find out more about the Samaritans on our student webpage.
• The Wellbeing Library Guide has resources to support mental and physical wellbeing. Use the "Share your story" space to read comments from other students on what books and resources have made an impact in their life and improved their mental wellbeing. You can also add your own tips to this page for other students to read.

You can find out more about the student wellbeing services offered by BU including drop in sessions, wellbeing advisors, counsellors and more on the student wellbeing pages on our website.