"We’ve been marking World Mental Health Day since 1994 to raise awareness about mental health but sadly year after year we see more and more people suffering from mental health illnesses. In order to tackle this, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has made mental health and wellbeing a global priority.

As your Vice President Welfare here at UCLan Students' Union, I’m always working on things relating to the betterment of mental health among students here at UCLan, it is also my main priority and manifesto point. If you’re a student at UCLan you should always feel free to approach me if you want someone to talk to or if there is something you want to get off your chest, my email is suwelfare@uclan.ac.uk. I’m not a trained councillor but I can signpost you to the right places on campus to get support. Did you know, the University's Student Support and mental health services have been ranked 3rd in the country?

I’m also working closely with the Student Support team for the launch of the new ‘Student Support drop-in space’ with loads of activities all related to student wellbeing which should be up and running soon.

The largest mental health survey ever conducted on UK university students reveals an 8% rise of mental health problems for which they needed professional help just from last year, which is also more than ever before, the survey also found that about 80% of students are aware of the support services offered by their university but a mere 13% of them have actually accessed it.

Men's Mental Health:

I’m a strong advocate for men's mental health in terms of stopping the stigma around men speaking about their mental health being perceived as a weakness by society. Studies have shown that men would rather suffer in silence and are lot less likely to access psychological therapies than women. Studies have also shown that 76% of suicides are committed by men and is the biggest cause of death for men under the age of 35. As the famous MMA fighter Paddy Pimblett in one of his recent post fight interviews said "I would rather have my mate cry on my shoulder than go to his funeral next week. So please, lets get rid of this stigma. Men, start talking."

I had a flatmate called Ryan who sadly passed away at the start of this year. Ryan was a great guy he was a final year student here at UCLan, studying TV and Film Production which he was very passionate about. He had also secured a grad job with channel 4 but little did we know, he was suffering badly with anxiety and depression which we later found out at his funeral. What makes it worse is that right before he passed away, we had a falling out over something that was irrelevant in the grand scheme of things - which took a toll on my mental health when I heard the news of him passing, I was dwelling about the fact that I should’ve apologised.

Things you can do on this year's World Mental Health Day:

It does not have to be anything extravagant. Something as tiny as texting your mates to see if they’re ok, because you never know what they are going through or how much that conversation/text could actually mean to them. Why not try taking yourself on a walk to declutter your mind or even treating yourself to a haircut - it can be anything really.

Again, if you want someone to speak to do not hesitate to contact me I’m always here for you. I've shared the details for Student Support below too.

Look after yourself."

Nitam, VP Welfare

Accessing Support at UCLan:

Student Wellbeing Service
The Student Wellbeing Service can help students experiencing a range of difficulties that may be affecting their mental health and wellbeing.They offer a confidential, professional service, ensuring that students receive personal support, and recognise students as individuals, all with different needs. 

Inclusive Support
If you have a disability, mental health, long-term health condition, and/or specific learning difficulty, the Inclusive Support team offers confidential support, putting in place reasonable adjustments and support so that you can access and thrive in your studies, and university life.