According to Student Minds, at least 1 in 3 out of an approximate 2.9 million UK-based students will feel lonely at some point on their student journey. We know that Uni life can be tough, with studies, part-time work, food, bills, and generally looking after yourself all competing for your attention. Taking the time to check in with yourself and connect meaningfully with others is often pushed to the bottom of the pile - and yet, research proves that strong social relationships are vital to our mental health. Strong connections help support us through difficult times and make good times even brighter. This is why the theme for this year's Uni Mental Health Awareness Day is ‘human connection’. Your SU would like to take the opportunity to remind you that however difficult it may feel, you are never alone. Here are some of the ways we can help you feel connected and in control today and every day:

Wellbeing Events

Did you know that Your Advice and Wellbeing team runs wellbeing events for you throughout the year? Coming up soon, we have two online info sessions with Kooth, where you can:

• Find out all about their Coventry mental health and support services that are completely independent of the University
• Pick up some useful tips, tricks, and information on how to recognise when you’re struggling with your mental health, and how you can seek support
• Ask any questions you may have

The sessions will only take 30 minutes of your time and are really easy to join via Teams! You have the choice of Friday the 13th of March at midday or Wednesday the 18th of March at 5pm. Click the event links above for more info, including links to join the sessions when they're about to start.

Future wellbeing events that we also have coming up include:

• A wellbeing wednesday connect and chat session in collaboration with Coventry & Warwickshire Talking Therapies.
• A wellbeing wednesday face-mask-making and pamper session in partnership with Lush! Keep an eye on Instagram and the SU website's events pages to be the first to know all the details when they’re released.

Sports, Societies, and Communities

Looking for a more regular way to take a break from the books? Your SU provides so many opportunities for you to get yourself out there and make friends with likeminded people. Whether that’s discovering a shared interest through joining a society, being part of a team by taking up a sport, or finding belonging in one of our SU Communities, there is a whole world of opportunities to help you find your place in Coventry. It’s all waiting for you, so why not get involved?

A reminder of further help and resources:

Outside of face-to-face and online events, we have many services and resources that can help you anywhere, anytime. Your SU Advice Service and the University Health and Wellbeing services can provide specialist in-person and online support. The SU website also has a searchable Support Hub that covers all campuses and provides links to support services both within the University and outside of it.

However you may be feeling today, tomorrow or in the future, Your SU are here for you.