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Wellbeing on Weekdays


Our programme of skills based / psycho-educational workshops, groups, social events, campaigns and faith services are led by the Wellbeing teams in Student Life

Wellbeing on Weekdays 

Our programme of Wellbeing on Weekdays (WoW) events are designed to offer you skills based support to maintain your personal wellbeing and to learn skills which will become transferable in the workplace.  The free events are faciliated by a range of staff from the Directorate of Student Life (Wellbeing & Experience) often supported by colleagues from Professional Services or Academic Schools. Some events will be held in person and some on MS Teams when an invite will be sent to registered participants. We've also included wellbeing at the weekend opportunities with our multifaith chaplaincy services and events. 

Spring 2024 (term 2) WoW programme 

Breakfast Boost (Monday - Friday)

Breakfast Boost is back for term 2. 

Pick up a free breakfast to start your day well and help support you with the cost of living difficulties.

  • Monday to Friday
  • 8am - 10am
  • Davison building atrium 

Breakfast boost money advice

Our Money & Funding Advisers, Kate and Kerry will be available each week during breakfast boost to answer your questions about money and finances and to share the support available from the University

  • Tuesday and Thursday
  • 9am - 10am
  • Davison building atrium 

Home Away From Home (HAFH) (International Advice) 

#WeAreInternational

We understand the importance of making new connections when you come to the UK and that's why we created Home Away From Home, a series of events throughout the year that help you meet new people, learn about new cultures and gain a sense of belonging at Royal Holloway. 

All Royal Holloway students are welcome to join these events which are shared within the calendar of events below. 

Weekly Services: 8 January - 24 March (Multifaith Chaplaincy)

Multifaith Chaplaincy regular services

As we await the arrival of our new Chaplains this term in Chapel looks a bit less busy than usual  - but normal service will resume soon!  Many thanks to our student chapel wardens and musicians who are ensuring midweek choral services continue.

Tuesday 8:30 pm Gregorian Chant Compline
Wednesday 8:45 am Morning Prayer - with Chapel Choir

Thursday

6.15 pm

Choral Evensong - with Chapel Choir 

Friday

1.15 pm

Friday Prayers (Muslim Prayer Room, Wettons Annexe)

 January 2024

Guided tour of the British Museum (Tuesday 9 January)

Welcome to London if you are a postgraduate student joining us this month.

As part of our welcome to the UK for new international students the international advice team have arranged a guided tour of the British Museum.  Booking is essential as numbers are limited.

Board Games / Social Mixer (HAFH) (Wednesday 10 January)

#WeAreInternational

As part of our New to the UK & Home Away from Home programmes, a  board game and social mixer , hosted by the International Advice team, to help welcome you to campus and the new academic year.

  • Wednesday 10 January 2024
  • Davison building, Egham
  • 2pm - 4pm.

Bingo (Friday 12 January) 

#WeAreInternational

As part of our New to the UK & Home Away from Home programmes, a  bingo session, hosted by the International Advice team, to help welcome you to campus and the new academic year.

  • Friday 12 January 2024
  • Crosslands, Founder's building
  • 5pm - 7pm.

 

Holocaust Memorial Day Peace Vigil (Sunday 21 January) 

Fragility of Freedom is the theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2024.

Ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day on Saturday 27 January we will be holding a peace vigil and service in the Chapel.  Our retired Catholic Chaplain, Fr John Dickson will be leading the service with beautiful music from the Choir of Royal Holloway led by Director of Choral Music, Rupert Gough. 

All are welcome

  • Sunday 21 January 2024
  • Chapel, Founder's Building
  • 6pm  

Holocaust Memorial Day (Saturday 27 January)

Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) takes place on 27 January each year.

It is a time to remember the millions of people murdered during the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution and in the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. Fragility of Freedom is the theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2024. Holocaust Memorial Day is a time when we seek to learn the lessons of the past and recognise that genocide does not just take place on its own – it’s a steady process which can begin if discrimination, racism and hatred are not checked and prevented. We’re fortunate here in the UK; we are not at immediate risk of genocide. However, discrimination has not ended, nor has the use of the language of hatred or exclusion. There is still much to do to create a safer future and HMD is an opportunity to start this process. (text from the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust)

The Chapel will be available as a space for reflection on the day.  We encourage you to take some time to come and sit and reflect in the peace of the Chapel and consider what we can all do to ensure discrimination, racism and hatred are prevented in our community and society. 

There will be battery operated tea lights available for you to add to our tree of light. 

Please note naked flames are strictly prohibited in the Chapel unless at a formal service organised by the Multifaith Chaplaincy team.

  • Saturday 27 January 2024.
  • Chapel, Founder's Building.
  • 9am - 5pm. 

Mindfulness workshop (Wednesday 31 January) 

“The body benefits from movement, and the mind benefits from stillness.” (Sakyong Mipham)

This workshop, led by our Mental Health Practitioner, Rianna, will give you an understanding mindfulness and its benefits, introduce and explore mindfulness practice and the ways in which you can incorporate and bring this into your daily life.

 February 2024

Time to Talk Day (Thursday 1 February)

It's time to talk! 

Time to Talk Day is on 1 February 2024. It's the nation's biggest mental health conversation. And we want you to take part and join in a conversation that has the power to change lives.

Join our team for tea, coffee or cold drinks and a sweet treat.

  • Thursday 1 February 2024
  • Crosslands (tables just behind the books and games)
  • 10am - 12pm

Health Coaching course (Wednesday 7, 14, 21 and 28 February)

Health Coaching for better health and happiness 

This four week course will run from Wednesday 7 February to Wednesday 28 February 2024.

This is a course designed and faciliated by the NHS in partnership with our Mental Health team.

What is Health Coaching?

Health coaching empowers you to make positive changes to improve your overall health goals and outcomes. We understand that you know yourself best. We work alongside you to bring out your own skills and ability, as well as supporting you to build knowledge, confidence and develop resilience.

Week 1 - Nutrition & Wellbeing: Exploring the right balance for a happier and healthier lifestyle.

Week 2 - Sustainable Weight Management: Implementing changes that are long lasting and realistic.

Week 3 - Managing Stress and Anxiety: Strategies to help cope with the demands of everyday life.

Week 4 - Exercise and Movement: Increasing activity levels appropriate to the individual.

  • Wednesday 7 February, Wednesday 14 February, Wednesday 21 February and Wednesday 28 February 2024.
  • George Eliot 1-03
  • 2pm - 3pm each week (participants must be able to attend each week) 
  • Contact mentalhealth@royalholloway.ac.uk to book your place

Meet the Beat: Police & Safety drop in (Thursday 8 February) 

Meet PC George Hemmings - our local Police neighbourhood specialist

PC Hemmings will be running regular drop in sessions on campus to meet you, hear your crime and safety concerns, answer questions and enable you to be signposted to further support of advice 

  • Thursday 8 February
  • Tommy's lounge, Students' Union 
  • 12:30pm – 1pm

Lunar New Year calligraphy / lantern painting (Friday 9 February)

Gong hei fat choy 恭喜发财

Welcome in the Year of the Dragon at Lunar New Year and join the international advice team by learning some calligraphy and lantern painting. 

  • Friday 9 Feburary 2024
  • Davison building
  • 12pm - 3pm

Anxiety Managment  Skills (Tuesday 27 February)

There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will. (Epictetus)

This workshop will help you understand what anxiety is and why we experience these feelings, physical sensations, and behaviours.  Identifying and exploring your own anxiety cycle and building a toolkit of some simple strategiess that will support you to feel more in control and able to cope in times of stress or anxiety. 

March 2024

National Student Money Week (11 - 15 March)

Less Risk, More Reward - maintaining your financial wellbeing at university

National Student Money Week runs from 4-8 March but as campus will be very busy with the SU elections that week we will be marking this event from 11 March.

Our Money & Funding advisers, Kate and Kerry, will be supporting and promoting National Student Money Week which this year has the theme - Less Risk, More Reward - and focuses on helping you to maintain your financial wellbeing whilst at university. 

National Student Money Week Events Calendar
 Date TimeEvent  Venue
11 March, Monday 12:30pm Instagram Live - Money experts forum Join via our instagram channel
12 March, Tuesday 12:00 - 2:00pm National Student Money Week in person Emily Davison Building (opposite the entrance to the library)
13 March, Wednesday 9:00am - 10:00am Financial Wellbeing at the Breakfast Boost Emily Davison Building (opposite the entrance to the library)
14 March, Thursday 9:00am - 10:00am The Citizens' Advice Bureau at the Breakfast Boost Emily Davison Building (opposite the entrance to the library)
15 March, Friday 12:15pm - 1:00pm

Financial Capability Workshop with NatWest Bank

Book here

Emily Davison Building (opposite the entrance to the library)

15 March, Friday 1:15pm - 2:00pm

Scam and Fraud Awareness Workshop with NatWest Bank

Book here

Emily Davison Building (opposite the entrance to the library)

Meet the Beat: Police & Safety drop in (Tuesday 12 March)

Meet PC George Hemmings - our local Police neighbourhood specialist

PC Hemmings will be running regular drop in sessions on campus to meet you, hear your crime and safety concerns, answer questions and enable you to be signposted to further support of advice 

  • Tuesday 12 March
  • Boilerhouse Cafe
  • 1:30pm - 2:00pm

University Mental Health Day (Thursday 14 March) 

Join us on University Mental Health Day as we create on-going change to ensure that no student is held back by their mental health.  

  • Thursday 14 March 2024.

Meet the Student Life team

Join members of the Student Life teams for refreshments and a chat with the opportunity to learn more about mental health support available on campus, external specialist support and join in with some activities which will help you take a break and enjoy some 'me-time' with colouring, Mind Apples and more. 

Campus Walk 

Join our Active Lifestyle & Sport team on a lunch time walk around campus.  This provides the opportuity to see how raising your activity levels during the day can improve your mental wellbeing. Join the walk from Founder's Square on 14 March at 1pm.

Mindful Walk

Join our Mental Health Practitioners for a walk with a difference....

 

HAFH Coffee, Cake and Chat (Thursday 14 March)

#WeAreInternational 

Join the International Advice team for coffee, cake and a chat.

  • Thursday 14 March 2024.
  • Davison building.
  • 12pm - 2pm.

Motivation, and Solution focussed skills (Thursday 21 March)

"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” (Arthur Ashe)

Struggling with finding motivation?  Come along to our Motivation and Solution Focused skills workshop where you can learn how to develop and use skills that will help you focus on solutions to remove barriers or blocks, and increase your motivation.

  • Thursday 21 March 2024.
  • McCrea, 1st floor, room 15
  • 2pm - 4pm.

To book your place please email: mentalhealth@royalholloway.ac.uk

 

Summer 2024 (term 3) WoW programme 

Mental Health Awareness Week (Monday 13 - Sunday 19 May) 

Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 will take place from 13 to 19 May, on the theme of "Movement: Moving more for our mental health"

Being active is important for our mental health but so many of us struggle to get enough exercise. We know there are many different reasons for this, so this Mental Health Awareness Week we want to help people to find moments for movement in their daily routines. Going for a walk in your neighbourhood, putting on your favourite music and dancing around the living room, chair exercises when you’re watching television – it all counts!

Festival of Languages & Culture (Tuesday 14 May)

Join us to celebrate the diversity of our campus, students and staff at our first festival of languages and culture.

More details to follow soon. 

  • Tuesday 14 May 2024
  • Founder's Square
  • 12pm - 3pm 

 

Five Ways to Wellbeing (shared from Charlie Waller

Following the Five Ways to Wellbeing can protect and improve our mental health. If you can’t do all five every day, just start with one – you’ll soon see a difference!

Connect

Connect - Good relationships help our brains produce chemicals that make us happy.  They give us a sense of belonging and self-worth

  • Make a playlist of your favourite songs andshare it with a friend.
  • Join a club or a team to meet people with similar interests.
  • Cook a meal together with friends or family

Be Active

Physical activity is good for our minds and bodies, reducing stress and anxiety and boosting confidence.

  • Where possible, take the stairs instead of the lift.
  • Learn a new dance move.
  • Have a good stretch.

Campus Walks 

We suggest you take advantage of our amazing short campus walks to take a break from the books and online resources and keep active

Keep learning 

Learning new things gives you new perspectives on the world around you and opens doors to new opportunities.  

  • Do a puzzle, word search or Sudoku.
  • Learn the numbers 1 to 10 in a different language.
  • Take up a new hobby or project.

Give to Others

Acts of giving and kindness towards other people or in your community create positive feelings and a sense of reward.

  • Complete a household chore that someone else might usually do.
  • Do a random act of kindness today.
  • Give a word of encouragement or a smile to brighten someone’s day.

Take Notice

Stopping to take in the present moment can give a more balanced outlook on life and help keeping us from worrying about the past or future. 

  • Start a happiness jar – write down at least one thing every day that has made you happy and pop it in the jar.
  • Look outside and notice any signs that the seasons are changing.
  • Take note of one thing that makes you feel calm and relaxed and one that makes you feel excited.

 

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