Wellfest

Wednesday 18th September 10am-4pm

 

Wellfest is a day festival celebrating all things related to Student Support and Wellbeing. From Tai Chi and calligraphy in the Activity Zone, to activities, freebies and support services in the Welcome Marquee, there’s plenty to get involved with.

Also, don’t forget to visit your School Hub who will also be hosting events during the afternoon; introducing yourself now will make it easier to know where to go for support later.

Collect a card and if you go to each of the Six Ways to Wellbeing stalls and come back with a stamp/sticker from each, you will receive a herb plant to grow and cook with.

Connect – run by the Social Prescribers team.

Give – run by the Volunteering team.

Take Notice – grounding exercises to engage all of your senses.

Be Healthy – supporting you to get a good night’s sleep.

Be Active – run by UoM Sport.

Learn and Discover – run by Manchester Museum.

Student Support Wheel activity – see where you are on our student support wheel and find out what options are available to you to improve your wellbeing.

10-12pm Tai Chi

Tai Chi is known to improve strength and flexibility, lower blood pressure and helps with posture. 

10-12pm Calligraphy

Chinese arts like calligraphy or brush painting can help combat stress and anxiety, improve concentration and stimulate the release of dopamine.

10-12pm Postpals activity for ‘Give’

Post Pals is a small charity run solely by volunteers who are dedicated to making seriously ill children and their siblings smile by the sending of cards, letters, little gifts, support and friendship. Post Pals supports children aged 3 to 17 in the UK and was set up in 2002 by teenagers who were all ill themselves. Founder Vikki had the idea after finding that receiving cards in the post was the only thing that made her smile when bedbound and isolated due to very severe ME.

School of Arts, Languages and Culture - Wellbeing plant pot painting session

Alliance Manchester Business School - From origami, to colouring, to a whole host of boardgames, there's something for everyone to escape the busyness of Welcome Week.

School of Environment, Education and Development - Pub quiz and spin the wheel with prizes.

School of Social Sciences – Spin the wheel activity with prizes, plus wellbeing wall where students can leave supportive messages for each other.

School of Biological Sciences - Craft activities.

School of Health Sciences - Wellbeing corner with colouring books and jigsaws, plus hula-hooping. Also a scavenger hunt and prizes starting in the Jean McFarlane building (Building 92 on the interactive map)

School of Medical Science - Make your own bookmarks, this will be available at both the Stopford and Coupland Hubs.

School of Engineering – Mindful colouring session.

School of Natural Sciences – Writing to my future-self postcards, puzzles, chess, sensory items, snacks and drinks plus each attendee will be gifted a mini hub wellbeing planner.

Information about these services is available in the Welcome Marquee.

Advice and Response (Report and Support team) - The Advice and Response Service provide holistic, trauma-informed support to students who have experienced any form of gender-based violence, harassment or hate. The team is made up of specialist caseworkers who provide confidential, practical, and emotional support to students.

DASS - The Disability Advisory and Support Service supports a variety of different groups, whether students, staff or supporters. We provide practical support by working with you to identify the practical adjustments you need to enable you to succeed - in your studies, work, and the rest of your University experience.

Counselling and Mental Health Service - The Counselling & Mental Health Service offer a range of workshops, groups, 1-1 appointments and other resources to help you.

Reslife - The Residential Life Team (ResLife) is made up of postgraduate students and staff that provide support and guidance to help you make the most of your time living in halls.

Qwell - Qwell provides free, safe and anonymous online mental health support whenever you need it. There are no waiting lists for support and no referral needed. Access to these platforms is available instantly 24/7.

Health Assured - Health Assured provide a 24-hour helpline and app (Wisdom), which includes options to speak to someone via live chat, email or video call. Students can access mental health support from trained counsellors and advisors who are ready to listen and provide support whenever you need it. It’s anonymous, non-judgmental and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Confucius Institute – Providing cultural activities to improve your wellbeing.

Manchester Student Homes - Manchester Student Homes is a free, university-run housing service for students.

Parents, Carers and Guardians Network - The University’s Parents, Carers and Guardians Network is an invaluable source of support and advice for those balancing caregiving responsibilities with university life. Whether you need practical advice, emotional support, or simply a friendly community, the network is here to help.

International Society – The IS provide international students with a warm and friendly welcome when they arrive in the city and to make their time in the UK a wonderful experience. Our activities including trips, classes, events, activities and volunteering opportunities are open to all.

Manchester 10/10 - Manchester 10/10 offers a series of tailored events and opportunities which support Black heritage students to find community, build belonging and develop confidence in their place at The University of Manchester.

For more details of other welcome events, see the UoM Welcome page.

Mature students Welcome events.

For further events, look at our Wellbeing Calendar.