Dear Strathclyde Students,
Maintaining a healthy balance and positive wellbeing
As we commence the Spring break and continue to adjust to this new way of living and studying, I am writing to remind you of the support we offer to make sure that you maintain a healthy balance and positive wellbeing during the current situation. The following sections provide you with important details about the various services and resources we are making available to you.
Disability & Wellbeing Service
We recognise that the current COVID-19 outbreak is affecting the way we all live our lives and it is normal to feel overwhelmed and anxious by this difficult situation. The Disability & Wellbeing Service is continuing to offer support and services to students via video, telephone, or email and students can make referrals and enquiries by emailing disability-wellbeing@strath.ac.uk.
Virtual Daily Drop-in
From 11am to 12pm each day Monday to Friday, advisers from the Disability & Wellbeing Team are hosting an online “drop-in” where students and staff can obtain information and advice on support, health and wellbeing.
Please note that the drop-ins do not operate on days that the University is closed.
Online CBT
Silvercloud, our online CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) programme, offers secure, confidential and immediate access to online support tailored to your specific needs.
SilverCloud Online CBT sign-up
Self-help and Wellbeing Resources
During these unsettling times, it is important that we look after our mental health and wellbeing. Check out the Disability & Wellbeing Service’s webpages for hints, tips and resources to help you maintain your wellbeing.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Instagram Take-over
The first of a series of mental health and wellbeing Instagram take-overs is taking place today, Wednesday 8th April. Olivia Pollock, a counsellor in the Early Intervention Team in the Disability & Wellbeing Service, will be on hand throughout the day to interact with students and staff and talk about ways to look after your mental health right now.
She will also share her own tips and links to resources, offer the chance for Q&A, and promote the support services that are running at the moment.
Protecting Your Sleep
Good sleep is fundamental in maintaining physical and mental health. Getting enough good quality sleep is a vitally important component of a healthy and balanced lifestyle, similar to being physically active and eating a healthy diet.
If you are finding it hard to shut-off from all the COVID-19 news and the anxiety the situation may be causing, check out these tips from the Strathclyde Sleep Research Unit (SSRU).
Strathclyde Sport Online Sessions
Maintaining physical health and exercising regularly helps support positive mental health and wellbeing. Strathclyde Sport are running a range of online classes and challenges including a daily live ‘at home’ workout, ‘at home’ gym challenges and ‘Workout Wednesday’. Check out the Strathclyde Sport Facebook page for further information.
New Online Support Resource
We have also recently launched a new online resource that is designed to help students and staff to adjust to new ways of working and support you in maintaining a healthy balance in the current situation.
I hope you, your families and friends stay safe and well. I would also like to reiterate that your wellbeing and the successful completion of / progression in your degree programmes are of paramount importance to all of us here at Strathclyde. Be assured of our continuing commitment to you and all our students during this challenging period.
Best wishes,
Jim