By Courtney Stevens
Monday 10th October was world mental health day and DSU planned a Walk to Talk event for students to talk about mental health and wellbeing.
The event involved a walk around Leicester with games and free pizza also involved to allow students to get outside in nature and meet new people.
Speaking about the event, Sarah Underhill, the DSU advice and well-being coordinator said: “With it being the start of the academic year we wanted to do something that would introduce students to Leicester and provide a platform for people to get to know others.
“We want to support students who may be having a mental health difficulty or concern and signpost who those students can talk to whilst at university.”
After the impact of covid, the DSU is looking forward to holding more events to allow people to come together in person.
Aliya Khan, the DSU welfare executive added: “It’s important for students to have these social events to meet up with new people because over the last three years students haven’t had that aspect of university life, so it’s important to get back in.”
Speaking about what made them take on the role, Sarah said: “Once I graduated, I knew I wanted to do something within the education sector and this role comprised of everything I was interested in.
“We can provide academic advice for students whilst also doing outreach in regards to the psychology side of things, so it just seemed like the perfect role.”
Aliya added: “I really liked the idea of helping students and providing that support whilst they’re at university because I feel like it’s important to have that.
“We are kind of the bridge between the university and the students, making sure that information between the university and students is communicated back.”
Walk to Talk is one of many events the DSU has planned for this year, and it has teased about upcoming ideas in the pipeline for students to get involved with that they are in the process of finalising.
