University Mental Health Day

University Mental Health Day brings together our university community to make mental health a university-wide priority, creating ongoing change to the future of mental health. 

Keynote talk from founder of the BRIT Challenge, Phil Packer 

10-11am, Palmerston lecture theatre

Staff and students are encouraged to take time out from their day to come and listen to the inspirational founder of the BRIT Challenge. Hear more about Phil's vision: to improve the mental health and fitness of young adults and students throughout the UK. This aligns with our own Mental Health and Wellbeing Vision to ensure our whole university community’s wellbeing and mental health is supported. Watch here >

Wellbeing fair

11am-2pm, Spark atrium 

External and internal services will be showcasing the support they can provide to our students for their wellbeing and mental health. Including our local social prescribing activities; Mayfields Nurseries, Solent Sports Complex, Bridge the Gap Footballing Community, Southampton City Farm, along with the local mental health crisis support, NHS 111, Yellow Door, domestic violence team, safeguarding team, Access Solent, our Library, spirituality team, Solent Mind, and more! There will be lots of goodies, sweet treats, freebies and pizza(!), as well as activities to engage with. 

Free body MOT health check

Thursday 13 March 12pm-2pm, JM111a and JM111b (off the Workshop)

It is important to keep track of your health, both physically and mentally. A body MOT health check can assess your risk for cardiovascular disease and assess your overall health, while a massage can help you to unwind by lowering stress levels and feelings of anxiety. The body MOT health check is non-invasive and measures the amount of fat, muscle and bones that make up your total body weight. It can also provide useful information about your overall fitness and health, such as body fat percentage, muscle mass, and metabolic age alongside blood pressure. Massages will be chair based and will focus on back, neck and shoulders. Advice from an experienced practitioner will also be available to help you make any necessary lifestyle changes.

Available for staff and students on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please contact amy.king@solent.ac.uk.

Wellbeing walk

12-1pm, front of the Spark

Join Phil Packer, CEO of BRIT, and Helen Jones, Chief People and Culture Officer, for a wellbeing walk. Meeting outside the front entrance of the Spark and join us for a gentle stroll in the park, enjoying the benefits of movement, fresh air, talking with others and taking some time out.

Mental health and wellbeing support

• Student Assistance Programme: Students can access our Student Assistance Programme - 24/7, 365 wellbeing and mental health support, either by phone, intranet or via the online app which you can access on your phone.
• iTalk: iTalk is a psychological therapy service with a self-referral option.
• Samaritans: If you require immediate help, please contact the Samaritans, free phone on 116 123. The Samaritans operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. Samaritans have also provided tips on spending the Christmas season alone.
• NHS: The phone number 111 and their website can be used for anyone in a mental health crisis. There is a dedicated mental health triage service connected to the 111 phone number, where individuals will receive a phone call back from a trained mental health professional.