Join us on Thursday 9 March to support University Mental Health Day.
It can be so easy to feel overwhelmed by university life, which is why it’s essential to open up and talk about how you’re feeling. We want to create an environment where you can share your mental health experiences, to help you thrive and feel supported during your time at BU.
On 9 March we’re hosting numerous events and activities to get as many people involved with #UniMentalHealthDay as possible. It can be as simple as taking a break from studying or getting out of your office for a while; you could use one of the communal kitchens to interact with your friends or colleagues in stress-free environments. The SUBU Community Kitchen is also a great place to meet and have lunch, or even donate an item for those who need it.
Check out all of the events we have going on during the day:
The University Retreat
The University Retreat is a new drop-in service for students from all three Bournemouth universities: BU, Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) and AECC University College.
It is open six days a week, providing a welcoming, safe space for any student who needs face-to-face support. If you feel like you are struggling with your mental health and potentially approaching a point of crisis, then this service is here to support you. You don’t need an appointment; simply come in and talk to one of our friendly team.
The University Retreat is open Monday to Saturday from 2pm until 9pm. You can find it in the Tolpuddle Annex 2 at Talbot Campus.
SportBU activities
SportBU delivers a huge range of sports and fitness-related activities for students, staff and the local community to enjoy.
There are so many mental health benefits related to our physical health. When we’re active, we release natural endorphins which make us feel good about ourselves; it can also help us to concentrate and sleep better. Finding a physical activity you enjoy can also be a great way to meet new people. SportBU is running a whole range of taster sessions and demonstrations for #UniMentalHealthDay, so just drop by and give something new a try!
| Event | Time / Location |
|---|---|
| Campus Sport Promotion |
10am – 11:45am, AUB Stand, AUB Courtyard |
| Martial Arts demonstration (boxing, karate, kickboxing) |
12pm – 2pm, Talbot Campus, Courtyard |
| Campus Sport/Outreach activity (competitions, netball, shootout, table-tennis, inflatable football) |
12pm – 2pm, Talbot Campus Courtyard |
| Running taster* |
12pm – 12:30pm, 3km run at Talbot Campus |
| Walk and Talk** |
12pm – 12:30pm |
| Social touch rugby |
12pm – 1pm, SportBU Astro pitches |
| Social football |
1pm – 2pm, SportBU Astro pitches |
| Social badminton |
6pm – 7pm, SportBU Sports Hall |
| Free gym & fitness class entry |
All day (10m – 7pm) |
| Free 1hr Astroturf bookings |
Between 12pm and 5pm (first come first served) |
| Massage (up to half price); please book at the SportBU reception |
1:30pm – 6:45pm (first come first served) |
*The 'Running Taster' is organised by BU Runners.
**'Walk and Talk' is organised by the BU Walking Society. Participants should meet in the courtyard outside SportBU, where they will head to Slades Farm and back.
If you’d like to find out more about any of these activities after University Mental Health Day, please email [email protected] or head to the SportBU website.
ResLifeBU - Your home away from home
ResLifeBU is running a range of activities, promoting parks and green spaces for #UniMentalHealthDay. They will be in halls at the following times:
Thursday 9 March
- Purbeck House: 10am – 11am
- Bailey Point: 11:30am – 12:30pm
- Cranbourne House: 1:30pm – 2:30pm
- Chesil: 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Friday 10 March
- Dorchester House: 10am – 11am
- Lyme Regis: 11:30am – 12:30pm
- Student Village: 1:30pm – 2:30pm
- Corfe House: 3:30pm – 4:30pm
If you’d like to take part in planting trees at Slades Farm, The Parks Foundation will meet you at the Student Village on Friday 10 March at 1.30pm. This activity is open to any students.
'Wish You Were Here' exhibition
Come and share your own positive stories or positive messages for others in Poole House Atrium.
The exhibition, 'Wish You Were Here', centres around storytelling and in particular, explores stories of life in Bournemouth through a playful and light-hearted lens. This interactive exhibit connects people via the stories we share and the places that link us together. 'Wish You Were Here' showcases the catharsis of storytelling and invites you to echo the sentiment by sharing your own.
Make them public, or make them anonymously, and add to the gallery's registry of positive thoughts, comments and memories.
