Thursday, 9 March 2023 is University Mental Health Day
This year we’re focusing on the cost of living as it’s such an important topic affecting the mental wellbeing of so many of us.
On the day across social media and The Hoot we’ll be highlighting some initiatives to help you save money, and services that can support you with your mental health. Below there are a couple of events you might like to know of in advance, as well as some general information that will be highlighted further on the day.
Mindapples – 'Feed Your Mind' session
At 3:30pm on Thursday, 9 March there will be an online Mindapples session to discuss how events in our lives and the environment can affect our minds. The session will also cover positive steps that can be taken to stay healthy and happy. You can access the session here.
‘Craftalong’ session in the Library
For any students who are on campus on Thursday, 9 March, the Open University Postgraduate School are running a fun Craftalong session in the Library from 11am to 1pm. Whether or not you can make it, you could also think about joining a Club, Society or Support Group
Mental wellbeing support
To help support your mental wellbeing, TalkCampus, the OU Wellbeing app and Shout 85258 are available to all Open University students. You’ll find some information below, with links to the relevant webpages.
TalkCampus: If you’re struggling with student life you can get instant support for your mental health. The TalkCampus app offers a safe place to talk anonymously to students around the world about anything that is on your mind.
OU Wellbeing app: The OU Wellbeing app makes looking after your wellbeing fun, interactive and stimulating by providing you with the tools to start building healthy, positive habits into your everyday life.
Shout 85258 offers free, confidential and anonymous text message support 24/7 for when you’re feeling low, anxious, overwhelmed or just not quite yourself.
Cost of living webpage
To help you navigate the rising cost of living, we have put together a list of links to some external information providers that may be helpful to you.
Cost of living information (oustudents.com)
Tips and hacks to help you save money!
We asked students, staff, the elected Student Leadership Team and other volunteers to let us know their money saving tips so that we could share them with you. We've published them in a Hoot article which you can link to below. Perhaps there are one or two things that you’re not already doing that could help you save!
Hoot article: Cost of living money saving tips