World Mental Health Day
News
Bath Spa University marks World Mental Health Day
Tuesday, 10 October, 2023World Mental Health Day is celebrated across the globe on 10 October and this year Bath Spa University’s student, staff and local community initiatives aim to raise awareness of the important topic and bring about positive change.
Founded in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health, this year’s World Mental Health Day is centred around the theme that ‘mental health is a universal human right’.
Helping to amplify this year’s message, local charity Bath Mind, is urging everyone marking the day to put on a blue item of clothing in recognition of its 'Wear It Blue’ campaign.
Students across the University have been encouraged to take part in the activity and staff have been invited to an online workplace wellbeing session also delivered by Bath Mind.
The hour-long interactive session will explore practical strategies for stress management and tools to prioritise mental health, using a ‘five ways to wellbeing’ framework. The workshop will also provide an opportunity for colleagues to ask questions regarding mental health.
The local charity is also hosting additional events for all to take part in on 10 October, including:
Sensory Walk with the Bath Mind Wellbeing Team and Your Park
- Sydney Gardens, Bath, BA2 4DB
- 2:00pm – 3:30pm
- Free to attend
Book your space by emailing AngelaFarr@bathmind.org.uk.
Watercolour Painting Session with local artist Kat King-Wallace
- The Bubble, St John’s Chapel Court, Bath, BA1 1SQ
- 6:00pm – 8:00pm
- No experience needed
Book your space by emailing PaulRimmer@bathmind.org.uk.
You can visit the World Mental Health Day page on the Bath Mind website to find out more.
Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership has also partnered with Bath City Farm, Bath Mind and St Mungo’s to host a free community event on 10 October to shine a light on World Mental Health Day.
Bath City Farm World Mental Health Day event
- Bath City Farm, Kelston View, Bath, BA2 1NW
- 10:00am – 3:00pm
- Talks and mindfulness sessions
- Information and support for your mental health
- Singing and creative arts workshops
You can check out the Bath City Farm Instagram account for up-to-date information.
In addition to the events on 10 October, on Wednesday 11 October the University will be taking part in the inaugural Student Mental Health Forum for the City of Bath.
Student Mental Health Forum
Co-hosted by student support leads from Bath Spa University, Norland College and University of Bath, this multi-organisational event will start a programme of work to develop and strengthen connections between the universities, and key stakeholders in the NHS and third sectors, to ensure that they are delivering effective and joined-up Mental Health support and services for the students in our city.
The event will look at how other cities across the UK have taken steps to develop connections between universities, colleges and NHS providers and third sector organisations, to investigate the local picture of need and provision, and to spend some time identifying challenges and opportunities to develop a local action plan to help move things forward.
Sara Gallagher, Head of Student Wellbeing Services at Bath Spa University and event co-host said:
"The opportunity to discuss with a wide range of statutory and third sector agencies about how access to mental health provision can be improved for university students is exciting. Students make up a significant proportion of the Bath and North East Somerset population and it is important that their needs are taken into account."