Joelle Callis speaks to Sara Doktorova about how she prepares and organises events, as advice and wellbeing co-ordinator for the De Montfort Students’ Union, in order to help students.
Q: What inspired you to start organising mental health and wellbeing events?
A: I have always had an interest in health and wellbeing and supporting others to experience a more healthy and balanced life – to feel connected and experience peace and contentment. My role at the DSU involves facilitating wellbeing events, and being able to provide a safe space for students to come and take a break from the stresses of university pressures and everyday life brings a lot of joy. It’s so important to have time to restore.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you face when planning these events?
A: Some of the biggest challenges are planning around student timetabling and knowing when is the best time that students are available to attend.
Q: How do you measure the success of a mental health and wellbeing event?
A: The success is measured by how much engagement we have, and the general feedback that students give us. You can also tell from the general energy and atmosphere when the events have been successful – smiling faces, relaxed students and expressions of gratitude are always a good indicator.
Q: Can you describe a particularly impactful moment from one of your events?
A: There was one student who joined us for a workshop on confidence and mindfulness – she hadn’t planned to attend but plucked up the courage to join. She had been going through a lot of challenges in her life, transitioning to a new country and finding her way and making friends – she started coming weekly to Wellbeing Wednesday and found the sessions really supportive and enjoyable. Since then she has made new friends, and found more confidence and a sense of belonging at the university. It’s been wonderful to see the impact the sessions have had for her, in providing a warm and supportive space.
Q: What kind of speakers or activities do you find resonate most with attendees?
A: It’s really dependent on the students who attend. Every person is different, so some students prefer the arts and crafts sessions, where they can simply create and chill, where others prefer the informative events, and external events such as the Liver scan and Hep C testing we did. These have all been well attended and received positive feedback.
Q: How do you create a safe and supportive environment for participants?
A: All of our events are guided by students’ need. We make sure students feel welcomed, involved and comfortable, with choice in how much or little they participate in the sessions, with no pressure or expectation. The events are always guided to give clarity and so students know the expectations, but with the freedom to have their own experience. Kindness, compassion, and being a listening ear are so important.
Q: What strategies do you use to promote your events and reach a wider audience?
A: Our Marketing and Communications team promote the events on the DSU website, in a bi-weekly newsletter, on Native – an online platform, and sometimes on the DSU Instagram page on stories or posts. Word of mouth also spreads.
Q: How do you stay updated on the latest research and best practices in mental health and wellbeing?
A: Through reading online articles, participating in training, and researching online the new modalities and offerings that are available.
Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own mental health and wellbeing event?
A: The following are super important – heartfelt intention, warmth, kindness, compassion. To be open and adaptable, and ultimately, to trust in the event you are holding and the purpose of it.
Q: What future trends do you see in the field of mental health and wellbeing events?
A: More relaxing and open spaces for people to simply chat and relax, and to be able to play games and connect with others. Additionally, activities that include a range of modalities – yoga, breathwork, mindfulness, music/ soundbaths, connecting to nature, community and belonging, shared activities and experiences, and holistic health remedies such as herbs, good nutrition and movement.
