Find out about all the events we've got going on this Mental Health Awareness Week.
Monday marks the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week, running from the 12-18 May, and is an opportunity to slow down, look inwards and highlight how you can encourage positive mental wellbeing for yourself and those around you.
The week brings with it an important reminder: we all have mental health, this year's theme of community emphasises the vital role that connection, belonging, and mutual support play in fostering good mental wellbeing. We have a range of community-led events happening, including a talk from leading mental health speaker Nick Elston!
Keep an eye on our social channels to keep up with hints, tips and mental health highlights throughout the week, and get involved by sharing your little moments of joy and tagging us on Instagram and Facebook.
Here's what's happening at the Students Association during Mental Health Awareness Week:
Monday 12 May
Get the motivation, encouragement, support, and accountability you may need with ‘Study/Desk Work Body Doubling’ - a powerful tool that works for many! These sessions are suitable for anyone studying/completing desk work. There will also be an opportunity to share with others your goals at the beginning, and achievements at the end, which will support you in memorising your work, and most importantly, feeling good about it!
Tuesday 13 May
Sometimes there's nothing like a good session of laughter to brighten your day, so why not join us for some Laughter Yoga this Tuesday? You don’t need any experience or equipment, and there are no Downward Dogs or other yoga poses. We play and laugh. The ‘yoga’ part is breathing, and maybe a short meditation at the end.
Wednesday 14 May
Another opportunity to study and share alongside other OU students led by one of our fantastic Event and Meet-Up hosts!
An opportunity for you to join a new student community and chat with others during your studies. There's no obligation for you to be based within the Yorkshire area, and skilled meet-up host Nichola will be there to lead the session throughout.
Thursday 15 May
Pop the kettle on, get your favourite snacks, and join Bev and Nichola for a chance to decompress and share your study journey with other OU students.
Friday 16 May
This Mental Health Week, we’re excited to welcome Nick Elston for an honest and empowering talk on anxiety.
Nick is one of the UK’s leading mental health speakers, known for his powerful storytelling and relatable approach to managing anxiety, stress, and the pressures of life and learning.
Drawing from his personal journey with anxiety and OCD, Nick will share practical tools to build resilience, boost wellbeing, and foster authentic connection - an engaging and impactful session for supporting mental health.
Join your hosts Viktorija and Blissas as they lead a chat and chill session for UK-based OU students.
We know distance learning can be isolating, so why not join Nichola and Charon from the Student Leadership team who are hosting the North-West In-Person Meet-up at Manchester Central Library! Come along and have a chat, catch up with OU and Association news and meet other like-minded students during your studies.
Saturday 17 May
Sometimes silence is golden, but having others around you as a source of comfort can be invaluable. Grab your current book of choice, your favourite blankets and delicious snacks, and join Bev for a relaxing afternoon with other book-loving OU students.
Sunday 18 May
Finish the week off by decompressing, evaluating what you have learnt during the week, and joining student meet-up hosts Bev and Nichola for a friendly online chat.