{"id":280,"date":"2026-03-10T10:00:32","date_gmt":"2026-03-10T10:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-student-experience\/?p=280"},"modified":"2026-03-10T10:12:48","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T10:12:48","slug":"university-mental-health-day-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-student-experience\/2026\/03\/10\/university-mental-health-day-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"University Mental Health Day 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

University\u00a0Mental Health Day<\/span><\/a>\u00a0is always an important moment in our year, but this time the theme\u00a0-\u00a0<\/span>Human Connection\u00a0-\u00a0feels especially meaningful.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Across\u00a0Bath,\u00a0and beyond,\u00a0thousands of\u00a0students are studying, socialising, and building their futures side by side. Yet we know that many experience loneliness at some point during their university journey.\u00a0In last year\u2019s Be Well Survey m<\/span>ost students reported feeling lonely at least occasionally (76.2%), with a significant minority experiencing loneliness\u00a0frequently\u00a0(11.5%),\u00a0and only\u00a0a very small\u00a0group reporting\u00a0never feeling lonely (3%).\u00a0<\/span>Feeling lonely\u00a0doesn\u2019t\u00a0mean\u00a0you\u2019ve\u00a0failed\u00a0-\u00a0it means\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0human. All of us need to feel seen, valued, and connected.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Through our work at Bath\u00a0-\u00a0including our whole<\/span>\u2011<\/span>university\u00a0<\/span>Be Well\u00a0at Bath<\/a>\u00a0approach\u00a0-\u00a0we\u2019ve\u00a0learnt how deeply wellbeing is shaped by the people around us and the everyday culture we build together. Past reflections have shown that support\u00a0doesn\u2019t\u00a0only come from formal services; it is often found in the small, compassionate moments that make up daily life at our\u00a0University.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This year\u2019s theme is a powerful reminder of how much these everyday connections matter.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Human connection matters\u00a0-\u00a0and it takes many forms<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Connection\u00a0doesn\u2019t\u00a0need to be grand or carefully planned. Sometimes\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0a conversation after a lecture, a hello in the corridor, a check<\/span>\u2011<\/span>in from a colleague, or a chat before a sports session. These moments help us feel part of something.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But connection can also feel hard. Technology, pressure, and the fast pace of university life sometimes make it easier to withdraw than to reach out. Today is about creating space where connection feels a little easier, whether\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0new to Bath or have been part of this community for years.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Activities to bring us together\u00a0-\u00a0for students and staff<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Across campus today,\u00a0you\u2019ll\u00a0find all sorts of opportunities to connect, meet new people, or simply spend\u00a0time\u00a0among others. These activities are open to everyone,\u00a0run throughout the year\u00a0and\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0warmly encouraged to join in.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Community and belonging for students<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0looking to meet new people or explore something new, the Students\u2019 Union, ResLife, and STV\u00a0offer\u00a0many ways to connect:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n