Wellbeing should always be a priority. Find out about Mental Health Awareness Week 2023, how you can get involved with events around City and how to access support if you need it.

Published Friday, 12th May, 2023 in University news

Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual campaign by the Mental Health Foundation which runs from Monday 15 May - Sunday 21 May across the UK. It’s a week dedicated to bringing mental health to the front of people’s minds, encouraging them to consider their own mental health and if necessary, take steps to improve it.

This year’s theme is anxiety. Anxiety is a normal emotion experienced by lots of us. Sometimes, it can get out of control and become a mental health problem.

We know that studying at university can be challenging, particularly for many who are currently preparing for assessments. If you’re experiencing difficulties, whether that’s high levels of anxiety or any other forms of mental health, there is lots of support available to you at City and beyond.

How you can get involved at City

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, City’s Student Health and Wellbeing team will be holding a range of events focussing on the themes of anxiety and academic stress. With the except of the activities in the Pavilion, please book onto any sessions you are going to attend.

Wednesday 17 May

  • Drop-in sessions at the Walled Garden – 11am-1pm (Walled Garden, Drysdale Building)
    • Join one of the Sustainability team’s 20-minute drop-in sessions to reconnect with nature and take away your own herbal tea bags, using herbs from City’s very own garden

Thursday 18 May

  • A free yoga session – 10am-11am (Room C302, Tait Buidling)
    • Open for beginners to advance, you will be guided throughout the session with yoga mats provided
  • Craft corner and cupcake decorating – 12pm-3pm (Pavilion, University Building)
    • Drop by the Pavilion to destress whilst making some treats alongside friends with music in the background
  • Guest talks about anxiety - 2pm-2.45pm and 3pm-3.45pm (ELG04, Drysdale Building)
    • Dr Tom Hunt - maths and number anxiety, how it can impact other areas of life and how we can manage it
    • Deepanshi Gulati - will explore her own lived experience of anxiety. She has set up her own organisation, Rain on Me, dedicated to supporting youth mental health

Outside of Mental Health Awareness Week

As part of the Students’ Union Study Well campaign, they’re running various free events to help you prepare and relax during the assessment period. Events range from dog cuddling and yoga to extenuating circumstances workshops. Check out the Study Well events page to see what takes your fancy.

The Mental Health Foundation has listed several steps that can help you cope with feelings of anxiety. Some of them you can easily access through City as well, such as:

  • Connect with people and talk about how you feel – connecting with other people can help a lot if you can say what’s worrying you
    • City’s Chaplaincy team run a free Community Breakfast every Tuesday and Thursday morning during May, 9am-11am, which lots of students have found to be a fun and safe space to share
  • Get moving – exercise is a good way of dealing with anxiety and doesn’t have to be vigorous, whether that’s through yoga, walks or joining a fitness class
  • Get support for money worries – a common cause of anxiety and particularly during the cost of living crisis, if you’re worried any money it’s important to seek help

Support at City

Student Health and Wellbeing

The Student Health and Wellbeing team are here to help you, with practical, emotional and specialist support. They have specialist health, disability, mental health and counselling services.

They offer a range of services to meet your needs and support you to manage your wellbeing and fulfil your potential whilst studying. If you are unsure which team you need, please contact them and they will be happy to guide you.

The CityWellbeing app

The CityWellbeing app is available for you to download. It has everything you need to take care of your wellbeing in one place. You can access self-help tools, chat with your personal wellness coach and track healthy habits.

Togetherall

If you need a safe place to share how you’re feeling and get support through courses & resources, City students have access to Togetherall using your City email address.

CityLibrary

As well as their Self Help and Wellbeing guide, CityLibary is supporting students through the assessment period through their #TakeABreak campaign. Their three displays in Northampton Square Library focus on three key areas to help you during this busy time of the academic year – study skills, wellbeing and travel through time

Crisis and emergency support 

If you are concerned about your safety, you should contact the crisis and emergency services in the first instance.

If you require immediate, urgent medical or psychological help and support you can do any of the following:

  • Contact your GP to book an emergency appointment
  • Call the Samaritans on 116 123
  • If you are currently in student halls you can contact a member of staff for help and support
  • Visit your nearest A&E, which you can find on the NHS website
  • If more immediate, urgent care is required you can call an ambulance by dialling 999
  • For a list of other helpline, text and in-person support services please see our helpline page
  • If you are outside of the UK, please contact your local doctor or specialist services

If you have a mental health condition and are already accessing specialist NHS services, you should receive the guidance on the Crisis and emergency Hub page.