Oxford Brookes University is proud to be part of the annual celebration of Mental Health Awareness Week, providing an opportunity to promote, celebrate and raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing.
Mental Health Awareness Week
The theme this year is “Movement: Moving more for our mental health”.
Physical activity provides many health benefits including having a healthy heart and improving joints and bones. Did you know physical activity is also good for your mental health and wellbeing? Even a short, brisk 10 minute walk increases our mental alertness, energy and positive mood. Participation in regular physical activity can increase our self-esteem and can reduce stress and anxiety.
The Mental Health Foundation say:
"Being active is important for our mental health. But so many of us struggle to get enough exercise. We know there are many different reasons for this, so this Mental Health Awareness Week we want to help people to find moments for movement in their daily routines. Going for a walk in your neighbourhood, putting on your favourite music and dancing around the living room, chair exercises when you’re watching television - it all counts!"
Need ideas? Further resources and information can be found on:
Crafternoon Tea
Wednesdays 1.00 - 3.00pm, Garden Room, Buckley Building, Headington Campus
Crafternoon Tea is a space for students and staff to get together and share craft skills over a chat. You may come for the whole session, or drop in as you wish. You are welcome to bring a craft, or just come for a chat.
Sometimes we work on charity projects together, or share skills. There are loads of ways we can use our gifts for others, from making quilts and household items to sell for charity to gifting completed articles to local charitable groups. Charities in Oxford and across the world are interested in receiving everything from teddy bears to scarves, there is a project to suit your skills and interest. The charity projects we choose are quick and easy, suitable for even the most novice crafter.
End-of-year celebration: Afternoon tea in the Garden Room
Thursday 16 May 2024, 3.00pm - 6.00pm, Garden Room, Buckley Building, Headington Campus
Students and staff are welcome to drop into the Garden Room between 3.00pm and 6.00pm for afternoon tea and a chance to relax and socialise at the end of a busy semester. Everyone is welcome, whether or not you have attended chaplaincy events before.
Step into Spring Promotion
Until the end of May, Brookes Sport are running their Step into Spring promotion, which provides All-Inclusive access at either of our Brookes Sport centres for 14 consecutive days for just £14 which includes two complimentary free passes for a friend or family member.
Walk and Talk
Commencing on Wednesday 22 May 2024, join our Staff Walk & Talk sessions, from the Headington Centre for Sport cafe. The walk takes place on Wednesdays, meeting at noon at the Centre for Sport cafe.
Brookes Active including Free Yoga sessions
The Brookes Active programme consists of Student Active and Staff Active and facilitates opportunities to be more active more often which is fundamental to positive mental health. These include free weekly yoga sessions for staff and a free weekly swimming session for staff and students.
Wellness Wednesdays
Wellness Wednesdays allow for all Oxford Brookes students and staff to use our Headington and Harcourt Hill, Brookes Sport gym facilities for free, all day on Wednesdays.
Go for a walk
Whether you join one of our arranged Walk and Talk sessions or go for a walk at lunchtime, walking is a way to start changing habits and introduce physical activity into your routine.
Make one change
Whether you walk to the shops instead of taking the car, do your housework with more enthusiasm or participate in an exercise DVD in the living room, make one change this week.
Other resources
Staff can also download the Wisdom App and visit the health and wellbeing portal that is part of our Employee Assistance Programme to access more resources.
As a Brookes student, you can access a wide range of online self-help resources which includes tips for your wellbeing.
Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event where there is an opportunity for the whole of the UK to focus on achieving good mental health.
The NHS Choices website has a number of tools to help people get started with physical activity for people of all ages.
Oxford Brookes has partnered with Togetherall to provide online support available to all students. The 24/7 online mental health website hosts a supportive community of other people in similar situations whose identities are not disclosed.
Student Minds have lots of great, easily accessible resources including areas like preparing for a year abroad, completing a thesis and exam anxiety.