The 9th March is University Mental Health Day which aims to bring the University community together to highlight mental health issues and facilitate change. We want to normalise conversations surrounding mental health, letting students know it’s ok to ask for help and seek advice from someone they can trust.
University Mental Health Day is a great opportunity to learn more about the different services that can help you with your mental health and wellbeing. No student should have to face mental health struggles alone, but it can be difficult to reach out for help. There are a wide range of resources that you can access depending on what works for you, whether that’s speaking to someone, sending a text or connecting with peers.
On 9th March between 11am and 1pm on the ground floor of University Place, a ‘KitKat ChitChat’ event is taking place where you can pick up a free KitKat and speak to members of staff from support services across the university about what mental health and wellbeing support is on offer at the university.
There are also lots of resources you can access across the year:
Student Support Website: The Student Support Website has lots of resources and information that you can access to support your wellbeing. Whether you’d like to find out more about the Six Ways to Wellbeing, find out how to access support services, or need support with specific issues such as academic or financial concerns, the website is here for you.
Wellbeing Calendar: If you’re looking for events to enhance your wellbeing and meet new people, take a look at our Wellbeing Calendar.
The Students’ Union Buddy Scheme: If you’re experiencing feelings of isolation or you’d like to be connected with another like-minded student, you can sign up for the peer buddy scheme.
NHS Guidebooks: The NHS guidebooks are self-help workbooks that can help with a range of issues, such as anxiety, depression, bereavement, managing anger and social anxiety.
Qwell: Qwell is a mental health platform that provides free, safe and anonymous online mental health support whenever you need it.
Health Assured 24/7 Helpline: The 24/7 mental health support phone line and app means that there is always someone available to talk to, no matter what time of day it is.
The Counselling and Mental Health Service: The Counselling and Mental Health Service offer support via one-to-one appointments, workshops and through various resources. Details of how to access their support can be found on their website. During the week of University Mental Health Day, The Counselling and Mental Health Service are also running a range of fantastic workshops, including Busting Low Mood Behaviour: One Step at a Time, Mindfulness for Concentration and Mindfulness Meditation. These workshops run all year round and can be booked via the Counselling Workshop website.
If you aren’t sure which service is right for you or if you need help with accessing support and would like to meet with a Wellbeing Advisor, you can email the Student Wellbeing Team on studentsupport@manchester.ac.uk. If you feel as though you need immediate support please see here.