In 2024, Mental Health Awareness Week is marked from Monday 13 May to Sunday 19 May and is designed to bring people together across the UK to recognise and raise awareness of the importance of our mental health and wellbeing. The week also aims to bring conversations about our mental health to the forefront and remind ourvelves that talking about what we’re going through can really help.
This year, the theme of Mental Health Awareness Week is Movement: moving more for our mental health, with organisations such as Mental Health UK adopting the message that moving our bodies is a great technique to simultaneously support our mental and physical wellbeing.
how can movement help us?
The benefits of physical movement and exercise to the body cannot be underestimated. The NHS recently reported that regular exercise can reduce the risks of major illnesses such as coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer, while simultaneously lowering the risk of early death by up to 30%.
In relation to our mental health, exercise has been scientifically proven to release those feel-good hormones that our brains so desperately need. It can support with improving our self-esteem, increasing concentration levels, and encouraging a healthy sleep routine. Moreover, exercise can help to alleviate feelings of stress and/or anxiety, as well as supporting our overall wellbeing.
looking to move for your mental health?
The NHS physical activity guidelines state that adults should aim to do at least 150 minutes of exercise per week (30 minute sessions, 5 days a week), so to help you decide where to exercise, we’ve compiled a list of resources that we think may help.
Did you know that while you are a UCL School of Management student, you have access to Bloomsbury Fitness? A gym for the entire UCL community, Bloomsbury Fitness is conveniently located at 15 Gordon Street (near UCL’s Bloomsbury campus), and offers free classes, a 90-piece fitness suite, personal training and more.
UCL students are also entitled to 10% off of PureGym memberships plus £0 joining fee. With more than 60 locations across London, including branches in Canary Wharf and East India Dock, there’s never been a better time to activate your membership. If you’re looking to simply enjoy the outdoors, we’d recommend a walk around Canary Wharf’s Jubilee Park or CrossRail Place Roof Garden.
See the full list of resources available to UCL students
support for ucl students
Please remember that help and support is always available to you while you are studying at UCL School of Management.
It’s important to talk to someone about how you are feeling and remember that your mental health is what’s most important. If you are a UCL School of Management student who would like to reach out to a trusted ear, we would recommend reaching out to your Student Experience and Wellbeing Officer or asking your programme teams to direct you to further support.
Alternatively, all UCL School of Management students are entitled to the resources offered by UCL’s Disability, Mental Health and Wellbeing team, who can provide advice and support on a wide range of mental health and wellbeing subjects to help you enjoy your time as a student. All of UCL’s support services are free of charge and open to students of all levels.