Pause, Connect, Reflect is an opportunity for staff and students across all campuses to take a break, have a chat and take notice. Refreshments will be served at various locations in both universities with support information for both staff and students.

A recent NUS-USI survey demonstrated that 78 per cent of students have mental health issues. Student mental health and wellbeing is a key priority for both universities, with a wide range of support mechanisms available. Both Queen’s and Ulster have been running wellbeing campaigns for new and returning students, encouraging them to prioritise their mental health and wellbeing and signposting to the wide range of support services available.

Amanda Castray, Director of Campus Life, Ulster University said:

“We are delighted to team up with Queen’s to Pause, Connect, Reflect this World Mental Health Day, encouraging both students and staff to take time for quick pit stop during their busy schedules and focus on their wellbeing.

“Mental health is a key priority for Ulster University. Our student mental health and wellbeing strategy aims to empower our students to ‘Be Well and Do Well’ and our student-led Mind Your Mood campaign, designed and delivered by students, is helping to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging students to seek the support they need.”

Joanne Barnes, Head of Disability and Wellbeing at Queen’s University Belfast said, “At Queen’s, we are committed to promoting student wellbeing, including positive mental health. Our commitment is reflected in ongoing investment in support available to students alongside the development of localised partnerships which benefit our students’ wellbeing. We will continue to champion and promote positive mental health and wellbeing at Queen’s.

Ms Barnes added, “Today, on World Mental Health Day, we want to encourage our students to take time to ‘Pause, Connect and Reflect’. We have dedicated stalls across campus providing an opportunity for students to gain further information on the support and activities available to promote positive mental health and wellbeing, while allowing them to connect to those around them.  Further information can be found on the Student Wellbeing Service Facebook and Instagram pages.”

Media

Media enquiries to Queen’s Communications Office on comms.office@qub.ac.uk