Just like we look after our physical wellbeing by getting 5 portions of fruit and veg a day, we can look after our mental wellbeing by doing these 5 activities every day, Connect, Get Active, Keep Learning, Take Notice and Help Others. 

Look at it like a mental health menu, pick the links that appeal to you and give them a go!

CONNECT

Connecting with others can make us feel close to people and valued for who we are. Chat to a friend or join a club. Here are some links to connect to FREE online and in person mental health support:

• If you would like a friendly chat with someone over a coffee in a nice, relaxed atmosphere there is the Pastoral and Spiritual Support Centre on the university campus which is open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm. Lots of FREE activities including meditation.
• Togetherall is a FREE to join, 24/7 online community to support, listen and give your mental health a boost.
• If you are registered with a Plymouth GP Plymouth Talking Therapies offer FREE Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help you manage your problems by observing and changing the ways you think and behave. Click the link for the referral form here.
• The SU Buddy Scheme can help you to connect and meet with other students.
• Meet others and explore techniques and strategies to improve your writing at the Writing Café.
• The Mix is a great website with essential support for under 25’s.
• The Hub of Hope is a directory of local wellbeing services.

GET ACTIVE

Many people find that physical activity helps them maintain positive mental health. Go for a wellbeing walk, run or join a gym. Here are some links to physical activities within the university and the local area, many are FREE:

• Student Wellbeing Services arrange FREE Wellbeing Walks from the Great Western Railway, FREE travel is provided.
• There are lots of SU Events to help you get active, including FREE swimming sessions at the Life centre.
• Try something new with no commitments at the SU with Give It A Go.
• Try local FREE Wellbeing Walks by One You Plymouth.
• Try Wild Swimming at some great local swim spots.
• Join in with local FREE Running Groups and Park Runs.
• Discover some great local wellbeing walks with the Love Exploring app.
• Bikespace offer cheap recycled bikes to help you get around.

KEEP LEARNING

We’re always learning new things, often without realising it. Feeling like you’re learning and developing can boost your self-esteem. Learn a new skill or hobby. Here are some links to some FREE workshops within the university to help you keep learning:

• Devon Mind offer some FREE courses and workshops to support your mental health, including anxiety.
• Student Wellbeing Services have FREE Success Intelligence Workshop to introduce you to visualisation techniques to manifest more of what you want in life.
• Study Support on the Student Portal offer lots of resources to help with your study.
• If you are stressed about exams the Digital Learning Environment has some helpful resources on revision tools and techniques.
• Every Mind Matters have some FREE Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques to help with anxiety, stress and low mood.
• Many students struggle with sleep, learn how to fall asleep fast and also learn how to create good sleep hygiene.
• Many students struggle with motivation, learn some simple steps to help.
• Make your own Wellbeing Plan.
• Try some FREE apps that can help with anxiety:
  • Mindshift CBT
  • How We Feel

TAKE NOTICE

Reminding yourself to take notice can help you to be aware of how you’re feeling. It can help you understand what triggers feelings of stress and anxiety. Take some time out to do some mindful activities. Spend time in nature and visit a local park. Here are some links to FREE activities to help you take notice:

• MEDITO is a completely FREE meditation app for beginners. It also has a section for students.
• YouTube has some great FREE meditations and relaxation sounds. Try Rainstorm Sounds to calm and soothe.
• Try making your own Self-Care box.
• The Student Portal have some great techniques to help manage anxiety.
• Try FREE local Mindfulness Art Classes by the Mindful Art Club.
• SU Gardening Society hold FREE gardening sessions.
• Plymouth has more green spaces than any other city in the UK, find a park near you.
• Many students find writing a journal helpful to support their mental health and wellbeing, here are some tips to help you get started.
• SEEK is a FREE app to help identify plant and animal species on your walks.

HELP OTHERS

There has been lots of research about the effects of taking part in social and community life. Some studies have shown that people who help others are more likely to rate themselves as happy. Offer to help a friend or neighbour or volunteer with a local group. Here are some links to schemes to help others:

• Try joining the SU Buddy Scheme to help support other students with social activities.
• Volunteer with the SU and join in on some exciting opportunities.
• Join the Peers Assisted Learning Scheme (PALS) and help another student with study.
• There are lots of volunteering opportunities within Plymouth to help others in the local area.
• Volunteer with Grow4Good at Dartmoor Zoo.
• Timebank is a local organisation where you offer an hour of your time to get an hour back, skill swap can be anything, gardening, computer help, dog walking, baking, sewing etc.