Wednesday 18th February saw the highly anticipated University Mental Health and Wellbeing Day. The Union was wonderfully transformed by members of the Welfare and Diversity committee, VP Welfare and Diversity, Izzy Ford, and the HeadsUp! team. The theme of the day was “I chose to disclose”, prompting people to share their experiences, pledge to look after their mental health and cut the stigma. HeadsUp! are a student- led group aiming to promote positive mental health and wellbeing in students. University Mental Health Day enabled the group to showcase their ideas, share information about celebrities with mental health issues and consider the kinds of things that can stress us out.
Many other groups were also there from the University, other student groups and even outside organisations who hosted talks and workshops throughout the day, as well as having stalls for students to visit and find out more information. Outside groups included Beat and Calm to name a couple. The University’s Student Support Team were also present (they are situated in Student Services on campus near EHB).
Interactive stalls were a key part of the day, The Body Campaign were promoting positive body image, which hence promotes positive mental wellbeing, by getting students to talk about the body parts that they do like- as well as complimenting friends! “Mood Food” was also available to try, showing which kinds of foods help if you’re feeling depressed, for instance. Art activities and a bouncy castle were also in Room 1 for people to have fun and be calm all in the same place, whilst the Piazza hosted various stalls and even live music performances! Many students also completed quizzes, helping them to learn more about the various societies that were hosting. Welfare’s newest group, Nightline also showcased their ideas and will soon be providing a nighttime service for students to call if they need to talk to someone in confidence.
Steph Noble, Mental Health Coordinator, gave a welcome/ thank you speech during the event and explained what the day was all about. Nicky Morgan, MP, also came along. She commended the Union’s great work in promoting positive mental health and working to reduce the stigma that mental health issues carry. The atmosphere in the Union throughout the day presented positive vibes and lots of happy faces as well as being informative. All workshops worked really well and the relaunch of Tea and Talk was also great; overall, the day was a massive success!
You can find out more information about our Mental Health associations via Facebook and Twitter: @lboroheadsup, @thebodycampaign, @vpwelfare_lsu. Also Search LSU Mental Health Coordinator, Loughborough HeadsUp!, The Body Campaign and Loughborough Nightline on Facebook.
Photography by Till Sieberth
-Katie Wilson
