We hope you enjoy joining us in this way and we hope you find our Mental Health Awareness Week activities useful and informative. As always, we're keen to hear your feedback to inform future events - drop us an email at lifelounge@bolton.ac.uk to let us know what you think!
Be kind - Reach Out!
"People who have greater levels of self-compassion tend to be more motivated, less lazy, and more successful over time. But just as important, they like themselves, even when they fall short."
- Susan David (2020) - View the article here!
Use today as a reason to be kind to yourself. Reaching out when you are struggling can be one of the hardest things to do, but we want to reassure you that at the University of Bolton, we have so many professionals who are here to support you!
Join the University Pets As Therapy dog Willow, as she reads us a 5 minute bedtime story, 'The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse' by Charlie Mackesy, a beautiful book about kindness!
Finding a soothing playlist, cuddling up and spending time with a pet are some of the Blurt Foundation's favourate ways of Self-Soothing. Self-Soothing is how we can be kind and gentle with ourselves when we are going through a difficult time. Read the Blurt Foundation's Article on Self-Soothing.
Reaching out for support when you are struggling can be one of the biggest acts of kindness to do for yourself.
The Life Lounge brings together specialist services Mental Health and Wellbeing Services, free for students to access, which includes: Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Wellbeing Advisors and Mental Health Advisors. Although we are currently working remotely, you can still access support through the Life Lounge. Take a look at the Life Lounge webpage here.
Here we have a video from one our Funding Advisors, Jonathan.
Finances play a big part in everyone’s life and can definitely impact on your wellbeing. Watch the video for information on the services that our Funding Advisors can offer and how you can access them.
Are you graduating this year? Many graduates may find they are feeling uncertain at the moment about what opportunities are available to them when they leave University. Join Leah Farnworth, the University Graduate Support Advisor as she discusses key advice for navigating these unusual times and gives tips on looking after your wellbeing as you begin your new adventure.
Book onto a workshop or book a 1:1 appointment for support by logging on to StudentHub.
Stable Lives - Mike and Teddy from Joel Penn on Vimeo.
Take a look at this inspiring video from Stable Lives, a charity that supports people who are experiencing post traumatic stress disorder and mental health trauma. Stable Lives creates a calming, natural environment where people can go to take time out. They also offer therapeutic activities with horses and a range of rural crafts.
Stable Lives are currently offering Respite days for key workers such as NHS staff, Carers, Police, Social Workers, Prison and Probation staff and more.
Here is some more information from Carrie at Stable Lives about the Key Worker days.
"Places for our Key Worker days are filling up. Just wanted to answer some Frequently Asked Questions so that we don't miss anyone.
When are they taking place?
Thursday 21st and 28th May
Thursday 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th June
Thursday 3rd and 10th July.
What time and Where?
10-2 We are based at Parbold Equestrian Centre.
Who is eligible?
Key Workers on the Covid-19 front line based in Lancashire,
What is involved?
Meeting our rescue horses and learning how they have been rehabilitated, good food, good company in a relaxed environment and attempting some rural crafts whilst eating cake and drinking brews.
It is relaxed, fun and supportive.
Places are free and generously funded by Community Foundation for Lancashire and @NatEmergTrust #LancsCOVIDFund All food, refreshments and equipment is included, you just have to wear weather appropriate outdoor clothing.
How do I register?
Contact us directly on here or via email carrie@stable-lives.co.uk We will send a registration form and once we have it back we can book you onto your preferred day.
We need you to be the eyes and ears for us in terms of accessing people who may need to come but are struggling for whatever reason. If you know of a colleague who is struggling then either encourage them to come or join them on the day to give them confidence to come."
For more information on Stable Lives please visit www.stable-lives.co.uk
You can find out more on their website, their Twitter page and their Facebook page.
Andy’s Man Club
Andy’s Man Club run real, non-judgemental, talking groups for men. They are working to normalise the conversations surrounding men talking, mental health and suicide prevention. They are the creators of the viral #ITSOKAYTOTALK campaign.
Due to Covid-19, they are currently running their support groups online. The groups are open for any man to attend providing you are over 18 and in physical distance of a club for when they re-open. You can contact them directly for more information.
To access more information on what Andy’s Man Club does, and the background story on why they set up the charity, please visit their Facebook page or email them at info@andysmanclub.co.uk
It’s Mental Health Awareness Week – The Big White Wall community relies upon the kindness of others providing advice and support!
Over half of all Big White Wall members say that they feel less isolated due to the safe supportive community.
Everyone is on their own mental health journey - Sign up today using your academic email address and help others by sharing your story!
Visit www.BigWhiteWall.com to find out more.