ULSTER University has launched a major mental health initiative designed to improve the emotional wellbeing of students and tackle the social stigmas associated with seeking support.
Mind Your Mood is a student-led campaign run in partnership with charities Action Mental Health and Aware NI.
A recent National Union of Students report highlighted that 80 per cent of students in universities in Britain and Northern Ireland experienced some form of mental health issue.
The UU initiative aims to help students get the most out of their university experience.
Mind Your Mood will deliver workshops across UU's four campuses, providing a platform for discussion on mental health challenges and offer advice on enhancing emotional wellbeing.
The workshops will cover mindfulness, which contributes to reductions in stress and improvements in mood and productivity and emotional resilience, which will help students learn how to tackle their mental health challenges at an early stage.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paddy Nixon said UU's world-leading research into mental health was helping to transform lives across the world.
"It is vital that we balance this global focus by making a difference closer to home," he said.
"We have an important responsibility to equip our students with the knowledge, skills and confidence not just to excel in their academic life but also to manage their mental health and help them reach their full potential; Mind Your Mood will help us achieve that."
He added that Mind Your Mood was a welcome and complementary boost to a range of services already offered by the student support team.
"The student-led steering group ensures that the issues addressed are relevant and beneficial to Ulster University's student body," Prof Nixon said.
"As part of the initiative, we will work closely with the partners to ensure the university continues to offer an open and inclusive teaching and learning environment where mental health is understood and supported in every way possible."
Students' union president Colum Mackey said university was a hugely exciting time.
"But for some it doesn't come without its challenges, which can affect your mental health if not addressed. Mind Your Mood will give students the opportunity to get to grips with their mental health and engage with others who share similar experiences," he said.
"Of particular benefit will be the MindSet workshops delivered by mental health professionals from Action Mental Health. These will raise awareness of signs and symptoms of mental ill health, promote self-help, resilience techniques and explore how to maintain a safe level of emotional well-being.
"I would encourage any student who needs support or simply someone to talk with, to contact Student Support and take the first step towards improving their mental health."
