By Flynn Jacobs-Holden
Students needing to unwind from university stresses are being offered weekly activity sessions.
Wellbeing Wednesday is hosted every week at The Pod in the DMU campus centre building, with sessions usually running from 11am to 1pm.
Activities offered have a focus on creativity and mindfulness, with previous sessions including the chance to plant seeds, or paint canvases and mugs.
“These sessions are a fun, light-hearted and enjoyable way to practise self-care, without any expectation or judgement, just a safe and welcoming space for any and all students who feel like joining,” said Joelle Callis, Advice and Wellbeing Coordinator at De Montfort Students’ Union, and organiser of Wellbeing Wednesday.
“Life is so fast-paced nowadays and it’s easy to get caught up in the busy-ness.
“Wellbeing Wednesday actively encourages students to spend some time on themselves.
“Sometimes we need some reassurance in knowing that it’s okay to slow down and to just ‘be’ rather than ‘do’, and that is the purpose of these sessions.
“We all have mental health, and it’s how we look after it that matters.”
Sessions will continue until the end of term, with upcoming events offering men the space to talk about their mental health and create art for Men’s Health Week (June 10-16), and all students are welcomed to participate in painting mini canvases and tote bags at the upcoming World Environment Day themed session next week(June 5th).
“Some of the students had never painted, never drawn, and never planted seeds before, so they left feeling really content and grateful to be able to take something away with them,” Joelle added. “There’s always a lot of smiles and gratitude.”
Wellbeing Wednesday will return in the next academic year, with students being offered taster sessions during September Welcome week.
You can find more information about this year’s remaining events on the DSU Events Website.