World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is being celebrated on Thursday 10th October 2024. UWS is helping to raise awareness and start conversations about mental health.
UWS & World Mental Health Day
The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is committed to providing our staff and students with a supportive and inclusive environment. This year, on Thursday 10th October, the newly formed Directorate of Sport, People and Wellbeing are running a series of activities that aim to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote wellbeing for both students and staff.
Wellbeing Stalls
Wellbeing Stalls will be available at Paisley, Lanarkshire, Ayr and Dumfries campuses from 11am to 1pm on Thursday 10th October.
Visit our Wellbeing Stalls for an opportunity to explore the many ways we support mental health and wellness at UWS.
Whether you’re looking for guidance on managing academic or work stress, seeking mental health resources, or simply want to learn more about what’s available for staff and students at UWS, please come along and chat.
We’ll also have representatives from local mental health partners offering valuable insights and resources. Come say hello to our student buddies who will be helping out at Paisley, Lanarkshire and Ayr Campus. Stop by to pick up free fruit, participate in fun activities, and discover what is on offer at UWS to help you thrive. Find us at:
- The Hub on Paisley campus
- Next to the Library in Lanarkshire
- The Atrium on Ayr Campus
- The Reception area on Dumfries Campus
Wellbeing walks for staff and students
Take a break and recharge with a relaxing 20-minute wellbeing walk led by a member of our Student Wellbeing Team.
Join us on the Paisley, Lanarkshire, Ayr, and Dumfries campuses on Thursday 10th October to refresh your mind, boost your focus, and shake off any midday stress.
If you'd like to participate, meet us at the Wellbeing Stall on your campus at 12:30pm to begin the walk.
Let’s step into the afternoon with a clearer mind.
Free UWS Sports Fitness Consultation
Free fitness consultations are available for staff and students on Thursday 10th October across UWS Gyms.
A fitness consultation combines body scan data with wellbeing guidance. It maps out your fitness journey in the most efficient and effective way possible so you can see results quickly.
During the fitness consultation, our highly trained team will conduct 3 non-invasive tests using body scan data to identify your weight, body mass index and body fat percentage. The team will then provide feedback on your results to identify your current health status. Following our feedback, the team will provide further guidance around improving your wellbeing.
Visit your local campus to get your free fitness consultation. No appointment is needed and our friendly team will get you started. Remember, UWS offers free gym memberships to all students and staff across its campuses to support UWS's commitment to promoting physical and mental health.
Brodies Bikes 500 Mile Challenge
Help us celebrate World Mental Health Day by taking part in our Brodie's Bike fundraiser. The fundraiser will take place in Ayr Atrium, Paisley Hub and Lanarkshire Street during World Mental Health Day.
Help us reach our target of cycling 500 miles on our static bikes. If you are not able to take part on the day, you can also help by donating via Go Fund Me (Fundraiser by UWS Residences: Fund Brodie's Bike Project (gofundme.com) or text BRODIE to 70480 to donate £3.
About Brodie Eaton
The Brodie’s Bike Project was set up in memory of UWS student, Brodie Eaton, who passed away in 2016. Brodie loved to cycle, and his family donated the first bikes and equipment to enable UWS students staying in the residences access to a bike on a short loan basis.
The Brodie’s Bike Project has now expanded to a fleet of over 20 bikes across our 2 residences. Use the bikes as many times as you like to get around, keep fit and improve your mental health.
Free Yoga Class (Paisley)
There will be a free yoga class available for students at Paisley Campus Level 1 in the Student Union building on World Mental Health Day. This will run from 12.15pm to 1.15pm.
The class will follow a progressive programme, starting with the basics and developing further. There will also be mediation and breath work for all abilities.
To book, get in touch with Ellie at elliemptfit@gmail.com. Make sure to wear loose clothing so you are comfortable. We have limited mats available, so please bring your own mat if you can.
Reading for Wellbeing at UWS Library
Discover a wide variety of self-help library books at the Paisley, Lanarkshire, Ayr, Dumfries, and London campuses designed to support your wellbeing. To mark World Mental Health Day, our libraries will be offering a fun mindfulness colouring activity on Thursday 10th October to help you de-stress and focus on self-care.
On Paisley Campus, visit our Wellbeing Stall to try out the Therapy Lamp, which is designed to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder. The special lamp mimics natural sunlight to help boost your mood by increasing serotonin levels to help you feel more energised during the darker winter days.
The lamp will soon be available in Paisley Campus Library for regular use, so you can enjoy its benefits whenever you need a pick-me-up this winter.
Therapeutic Art Sessions
Join us on Dumfries Campus for a therapeutic art session. Drop in any time between 11am to 1pm in Room 2086 on Thursday 10th October and choose how long you spend in the session. The session will help you de-stress and practice a little self-care. No artistic ability is required.
Mindfulness Taster Session (Lanarkshire)
Join Martin Stepek, author and teacher of mindfulness, for a short introduction to the subject, and a meditative practice.
Martin has taught mindfulness since 2004, including a regular class at Lanarkshire campus. He has written six books, which explore how to live more mindfully on an everyday basis.
Open to staff and students, come along to learn more about mindfulness:
Session 1
11.30 to 12.00, Room: 1.2.13a/b (UWS Lanarkshire Campus)
Session 2
1pm to 1.30pm, Room: 1.2.08 (UWS Lanarkshire Campus)
Free breakfasts
All UWS students on Paisley, Lanarkshire, Ayr and Dumfries campuses are entitled to a free breakfast.
Fuel yourself before classes while saving some money. To find out more, visit the canteen on your campus or find out more on the UWS Student App.
External Partners
This year, we are excited to announce that we will also be hosting key external organisations. Find our external organisations next to our Wellbeing Stalls.
NHS Lanarkshire
A health improvement practitioner will be joining us to provide health and wellbeing resources and signpost students to further support and information.
PAPYRUS
Prevention of Young Suicide is a UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people. We will have member of staff providing information and support.
Samaritans
Samaritans is a charity that provides emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide in the United Kingdom. One of the staff members will be joining us to share resources and talk about the charity's work.