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studentmindsorg.bsky.social
Student Minds
@studentmindsorg.bsky.social
580 followers 300 following 110 posts
We are the UK's student mental health charity.

Join us as we ensure no student is held back by their mental health🧡

Find out more 👉 studentminds.org.uk
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studentmindsorg.bsky.social
How can we put wellbeing at the heart of university learning?

@leedsbeckett.bsky.social are reimagining how wellbeing can be embedded into the curriculum through their year-long ‘Well-Connected’ module.

Explore how they did it, why it matters in our #UniMentalHealthCharter Award Holder Spotlight.
Leeds Beckett University featured in a University Mental Health Charter Award Holder Spotlight, emphasizing the integration of wellbeing into the curriculum, accompanied by the Student Minds and University Mental Health Charter logo. With a star illustration. What did they do in blue title box with the text in bullet points underneath: Introduced a year-long weekly “Well-Connected” module in an International Tourism course Co-taught by academics and a School-Based Wellbeing Practitioner Builds skills, wellbeing, and professional identity Uses the Advance HE Education for Mental Health Toolkit Uses low-risk, formative assessments With Student Minds and University Mental Health Day logo at the bottom in the centre. Why does this matter in blue title box at the top. With the bullet points: Supports student transition and belonging Aligns wellbeing with course and industry needs Builds collaboration and resilience, essential skills for the tourism sector With Student Minds and University Mental Health Day logo at the bottom in the centre. Lessons so far in blue title box at the top with a star illustration of a big star and a small star top right next to the title. With the bullet points: Requires top-level buy-in for resources and regulatory flexibility Needs whole-team collaboration Student co-creation drives ongoing improvements Embedding wellbeing strengthens academic rigour With Student Minds and University Mental Health Day logo at the bottom in the centre.
November 19, 2025 at 9:00 PM
studentmindsorg.bsky.social
Today is #InternationalMensDay. Let’s check in on the men in our lives and help break the stigma. Society’s expectations can make it tough for men to open up, so let’s create space for honest conversations.

Dan shares his tips for reaching out for support: https://bit.ly/3XnfhOJ
Poster with the message "It's okay not to be okay" at the top and "You don't have to suffer in silence" at the bottom, marked by an arrow. Includes the hashtag InternationalMensDay and the logo of Student Minds. Promotional image for International Men's Day by Student Minds featuring encouraging messages about mental health, emphasizing "It's okay not to be okay" and "Looking after your mental health doesn't make you weak." Image featuring a motivational message for International Men's Day by Student Minds. Text reads: "It's okay not to be okay. Reaching out for help is one of the strongest things you can do." The text is set against a teal background with a yellow arrow pointing downwards. Poster with the message "It's okay not to be okay," followed by "I'm there for you." in bold. Features hashtags #InternationalMensDay and logo of Student Minds at the bottom.
November 19, 2025 at 8:30 AM
studentmindsorg.bsky.social
We’re looking for passionate people to help shape our charity’s future.

Join our new Trustees Q&A session with CEO Rosie, Trustees Ollie and Lizzie to learn more about what being on the Board involves and ask any questions.

Read more and sign up today: https://bit.ly/485BNAp
Promotional poster for Trustee Board Q&A sessions with CEO Rosie and current trustees. Includes dates and times for the events and a logo for @StudentMindsOrg. Features portrait photos of three individuals smiling. 'Join our CEO Rosie and current trustees online to fine our more about joining our trustee board: Friday 21st November 1 - 1:30pm Thursday 27th November 6 - 6:30pm @StudentMindsOrg bottom centre
November 18, 2025 at 9:00 AM
studentmindsorg.bsky.social
We're excited to attend the Global Alliance for Mental Health and Sport conference! Our fantastic training manager, Niamh Nicholson, will deliver a session on building mentally healthy teams through peer upskilling & early identification in HE sports. Don't miss out!

#GAMeS2025
Promotional image for GAMEs2025 event featuring Programme Development Manager Niamh Nicholson smiling, with text inviting to join at London Stadium, UK, focusing on building mentally healthy teams in sports. Includes logos for Global Alliance for Mental Health and Sports, and Movember's Institute for Men's Health.
November 17, 2025 at 5:15 PM
studentmindsorg.bsky.social
Exciting opportunity alert

We’re looking for new people to join our Trustee Board, including a Chair and Student Trustees.

Do you have passion and a commitment to putting student mental health first? Do you want to improve student communities? Find out more today: https://bit.ly/485BNAp
Promotional poster by Student Minds announcing 'We are hiring! Trustees to join our Board.' Title in orange box: We are hiring! Sub title: Trustee Green box with the following text: Location: Board meetings are held online, two trustee away days a year in Leeds Remuneration: This role is non-executive and unpaid. You can claim reimbursement of reasonable expenses. Time commitment: average one day a month Closing: Monday 5th January at 11:59 pm @StudentMindsOrg bottom centre and a blue arrow pointing at the green box from the bottom right. Title: We are hiring! Chair of Trustees Orange box with the following text: Location: Board meetings are held online, two trustee away days a year in Leeds Remuneration: This role is non-executive and unpaid. You can claim reimbursement of reasonable expenses. Time commitment: around 20 days a year Length of term: three years, with the option to stand for re-election for a further three years Closing: Monday 5th January at 11:59 pm @StudentMindsOrg bottom centre and a blue arrow pointing at the orange box from the top right.
November 17, 2025 at 1:00 PM
studentmindsorg.bsky.social
Words matter.

Using the correct ones helps create a safer, more respectful world for everyone 🏳️‍⚧️ 🧡

For a more in-depth glossary, visit our website: https://bit.ly/47SI6r3

#TransAwarenessWeek
Illustration titled "A guide to: Trans terminology" from StudentMindsOrg, featuring five diverse individuals, one holding a transgender pride flag, with a light purple background and decorative orange swirl. A graphic with text that reads: Trans A word that trans people can use to describe themselves if their own sense of gender (their gender identity) does not match or sit easily with the gender they were assumed to have, based on the sex they were assigned at birth. This definition can be used as a very broad single-word umbrella term to include trans men, trans women, non-binary people, gender fluid people, agender people and anyone else with an experience of gender like or similar to the above. A graphic with text that reads: Non Binary One of a number of terms people might use to describe the experience of having a gender that is neither male nor female, both male and female and/or between, beyond or unrelated to the binary categories of man and woman. Some people use it as an umbrella term, encompassing a spectrum of experiences such as those described under gender fluid and agender. A graphic with text that reads: Cisgender One of a number of terms people might use to describe the experience of having a gender that matches their sex assigned at birth in the typically expected way. In other words, a man assigned male at birth, or a woman assigned female at birth. It is important to have a term to describe this life experience, because otherwise the norms associated with it can be invisible, and the privileges attached to it can be taken for granted.
November 13, 2025 at 10:15 AM
studentmindsorg.bsky.social
With deadlines and assignments piling up, it's easy to forget to look after yourself! But it's important to rest and to take care of your mental health as well 🧡
Illustration of a hand holding a planner with a packed schedule from 9 AM to 5 PM, and a speech bubble saying "REST is important too!"
October 27, 2025 at 3:10 PM
studentmindsorg.bsky.social
📢 Paid student opportunity! 📢

Are you a student, recent graduate or student union officer? You could use your experiences to help shape our work to support student mental health.

Apply to join our Student Advisory Committee: https://bit.ly/43sV4Kr
Previous Student Advisory Committee individuals smiling in front of a poster saying 'Paid opportunity! Join our Student Advisory Committee' with the StudentMindsOrg logo at the bottom. A graphic that reads: It's so important to work with students and sabbatical officers like yourself to inform and lead on our work. You are experts by experience, and we want to help you use your voice at every level we operate at. A graphic that reads: Being on the Student Advisory Committee allows you to: Advise us on major strategic decisions Give feedback on our mental health programmes, Help us improve our approaches Ensure student voice across our work. Apply before the 16th of November!
October 24, 2025 at 4:10 PM
studentmindsorg.bsky.social
University life can be both exciting and challenging, making it difficult to navigate. That’s why we’ve teamed up with @jisc.bsky.social to host a free webinar to explore practical ways to look after your wellbeing.

Don’t miss out on this essential webinar:
https://bit.ly/4o3JWvS
Promotional poster for a webinar titled "Thriving, Not Just Surviving in Student Wellbeing," hosted by Future You on October 29th from 2-3pm. The background is purple with white and pink text.
October 22, 2025 at 3:30 PM
studentmindsorg.bsky.social
We’re delighted to share with you ‘Life as a neurodivergent student’.

We worked with a brilliant steering group of neurodivergent students to create a series of free resources featuring advice and reflections on navigating university life with neurodivergence. Read more:
https://bit.ly/47qUaR2
Group photo of nine individuals at a "Life as a neurodivergent student" event. They are wearing lanyards and standing in two rows, with a presentation board in the background with the text 'Advice and reflections on navigating university life as a neurodivergent student, co-created by experts with lived experience and a steering group of eight neurodivergent students.' Quote from Michael with a blue background and speech marks in two corners 'I didn't know about neurodivergence and even anything about it until I went to uni, and then that's when I started to discover I was a little bit different to my peers, I was a little bit different to my friends.' Quote from Martha with an orange background and speech marks in two corners 'I'd want the listener to be reminded of is just to be confident in who you are being neurodivergent is not a negative trait to have and it's something that you should be proud of and so I wish my past self and even my present selfwouldn't feel so uneasy when I tell people oh I've got dyspraxia.' Quote from Michael with a blue background and speech marks in two corners 'It was a big learning opportunity for me so I was like wow I need to learn a lot about who I am what makes me tick what this label actually means as well and I think having that diagnosis changed everything in a weird way.'
October 15, 2025 at 10:15 AM
studentmindsorg.bsky.social
The world can feel overwhelming with so many things happening all at once 🧡

Support students by sharing our tips on how to look after yourself during difficult world events: https://bit.ly/3Wt2PfB

#WorldMentalHealthDay
An illustrated poster by Student Minds for World Mental Health Day, depicting a person with a backpack surrounded by speech/thought bubbles, with the text: 'Struggling with everything happening in the world?' Accept how you feel Having strong feelings about a particular issue is completely understandable and sometimes necessary. But if we hold onto those emotions, they can impact our mood and mental health in ways which can sometimes be unhelpful. Consider giving yourself space or talking to someone to help you process and grieve if needed. With an illustration of two individuals: one using a laptop with social media icons overhead, the other playing a guitar. Manage your relationship with the news Our continuous access to news and social media can have particularly negative effects on our wellbeing. Scrolling for new developments can lead to your mood going up and down. Arrow pointing to: What you could do instead Reduce the amount of time you spend on social media Reduce the amount of engagement you have with the news Be careful about the particular sources of information Contribute what you can If it is possible taking some kind of action can help to reduce the impact our feelings can have on us and may help us by creating more meaning in our lives. Be realistic about what you can do, because you can’t tackle every issue. But remember, even a small contribution, when added to the small contributions of others, can add up. With an illustration of a stall
October 10, 2025 at 2:14 PM
studentmindsorg.bsky.social
Today on #WorldMentalHealthDay and every day, we’re fighting against barriers that prevent students from succeeding at university, because no student should ever be held back by their mental health 🧡
Hand holding up a sticky note with the message 'No student should be held back by their mental health' against a clear sky and field background.
October 10, 2025 at 6:00 AM
studentmindsorg.bsky.social
Explore student Evangel’s tips for how universities can better support Black students: bit.ly/4nLPlrw (3/3)
A graphic with an illustration of a student reading with text above them that reads: How universities can better support Black student A graphic with text that reads: What universities need to do Create inclusive spaces Establish cultural centres and networks that cater specifically to the needs of Black students to foster a sense of community. Schemes like a welcome buddy can significantly help. Promote diverse representation Representation matters. It’s essential to increase the diversity of faculty, staff, and student bodies. Universities should also ensure that their curricula reflect diverse perspectives and histories. A graphic with text that reads: What universities need to do Include culturally compentent support Employ and train counsellors and advisors to understand and address the unique challenges faced by Black students. This also includes raising awareness about the availability of these specific resources. Address racism and bias Universities must take a proactive stance by implementing policies and training programs that address racism and its impacts. It also requires creating effective mechanisms for reporting and addressing incidents of racism and discrimination. A graphic with an image of two students studying with text above them that reads: For more information on supporting Black students, check out our dedicated 'Life as a Black student' resources and advice on the student minds website
October 9, 2025 at 9:47 AM
studentmindsorg.bsky.social
Black staff and students are paving the way for a better, more equitable, more diverse future.
However, we still need to see greater support from the wider higher education community (2/3)
A graphic with text that reads: For many Black students in the UK, the university experience can be tainted by feelings of isolation and alienation. As someone who has had to deal with and sometimes still deals with these feelings, I can tell you they come from a complex interplay of systemic issues, cultural shift/difference, and personal experiences. Addressing these challenges is important to help create a more inclusive and supportive academic environment for students currently going through this. - Evangel A graphic with text that reads: Understanding the sources of isolation and alienation Cultural disconnection When things like food, the academic curriculum, or even social events lack diversity and inclusion, it can be challenging to feel a connection of sense of belonging Lack of representation A lack of representation among faculty, staff, and peers can intensify the sense of alienation. This lack of diversity can also mean fewer mentor figures who understand unique challenges and experiences. A graphic with text that reads: Understanding the sources of isolation and alienation Stereotyping and bias Black students are often confronted with stereotypes and biases that affect how they are perceived and treated. These stereotypes can lead to unfair treatment and unequal opportunities, impacting our academic performance and self-esteem. Experience of racism Experiences of racism can significantly impact mental health and feelings of inclusion. These experiences can lead to a hostile or unwelcoming environment, which further alienates Black students. A graphic with text that reads: The impact of isolation and alienation Mental health consequences Feelings of isolation can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Academic struggles Alienation can result in disengagement from academic activities leading to poorer outcomes. This affects students’ futures. Drop out rates Black students experiencing high levels of isolation may be more likely to drop out.
October 9, 2025 at 9:47 AM
studentmindsorg.bsky.social
Uni can be overwhelming sometimes, so don't forget to look after yourself in whatever healthy way helps you 🧡

Need help with uni life? We're here for you: https://bit.ly/4p2rXa1
Illustration showing a person drinking from a mug, split into two halves with the left side showing the person in a blue jacket, and the right side in orange with the text "Self Care is Not Always Pretty."
October 3, 2025 at 3:58 PM
studentmindsorg.bsky.social
(1/2) We have mixed feelings about today’s announcement that “new, targeted maintenance grants” are to be introduced for some students from low-income households. Whilst this is a positive win for the students and organisations who have campaigned for change, we know the government must go further.
A graphic with text that reads: A campaign wins: The government is re-introducing maintenance grants Graphic that reads: Today, we’re relieved to see the Education Secretary announce “new, targeted maintenance grants for those who need them most”. This is a positive step, and a significant win for the students and organisations who have campaigned for this change. This must be the first step of many. A graphic that reads: Our Student Mental Health Manifesto made clear that widespread financial hardship is impacting students’ mental health, wellbeing, learning and more. We stated that urgent action was needed to tackle the cost of living crisis for students and that this should include several steps. A graphic with text that reads: Whilst maintenance grants are vital, we must now also see changes to the maintenance loan system and greater support for universities, so that our communities can focus on teaching, learning, development and growth. As the Education Secretary says herself, no student should be forced to work “every hour God sends” when they should be learning and training.
September 29, 2025 at 5:17 PM
studentmindsorg.bsky.social
Going out at university can feel overwhelming for some students, especially those who've not had experience of drinking and parties.

If you know a student at uni who's feeling apprehensive, share our tips with them 🧡
Illustration featuring two hands clinking three wine glasses, accompanied by the text "A guide to freshers: Drinks and parties" in speech bubbles. Graphic with text that reads: Tip 1: Don’t be afraid to not go out Some people will love going to big clubs, while others may prefer house parties or not go out at all. Whatever you do, don’t be afraid to not go out! If clubbing isn’t your thing or you’re not in the mood, always put your wellbeing first. There is an illustration in the right hand corner of a person relaxing and reading a book Graphic with text that reads: Tip 2: You don’t have to drink to have a good time If you don’t want to drink, you don’t have to, and by not drinking, you’re not missing out. You can still go to a bar, a club, pre-drinks, etc. sober and have a great time! Being comfortable is what is most important. There is an illustration of a cup of the in the right hand side of the graphic Graphic with text that reads: Tip 3: It’s always good to have a plan If you do decide to go out but are a bit nervous, have a plan in place: Consider how you are getting to/from the venue? What will you need to bring? Do you need a ticket? By having a plan, it can help to ease some of your worries, but also know that things don’t always go to plan, and that’s okay too.
September 26, 2025 at 4:04 PM
studentmindsorg.bsky.social
We’re proud to celebrate that 102 universities have joined the University Mental Health Charter Programme.

Together, they’re demonstrating how unis can tackle sector-wide challenges by maintaining mental health as a core priority. Find out which unis join the community: https://bit.ly/42D4Hpy
Two individuals collaborating at a table with notebooks and pens in a classroom setting, with text stating '102 universities renew their commitment to mental health by signing up to this year's University Mental Health Charter Programme', accompanied by the logos of Student Minds and University Mental Health Charter. Graphic highlighting achievements of Student Minds' University Mental Health Charter Programme, noting 102 universities signed up, a 90% retention rate, and around 1 in 4 Programme Members have achieved a UMHC Award. Presentation in a conference room with people seated facing a speaker at the front, under banners of Student Minds and University Mental Health Charter. There's an image of lively engagement with a text overlay expressing enthusiasm about working with this year's UMHC Programme Members.
September 24, 2025 at 9:00 AM
studentmindsorg.bsky.social
Today is #BiVisibilityDay, which marks the end of #BisexualAwarenessWeek 🩷💜 💙

We wanted to challenge some of the frustrating misconceptions and stereotypes we often hear about bisexuality, as well as remind all Bi+ people that they are loved and valid 🧡
Graphic from Student Minds Org titled 'Debunking myths about bisexuality,' featuring bold text on a pink, purple and blue background to match the bi flag. Graphuc debunking a myth about bisexuality; text states "Myth: Bisexuality is not real and bisexuals do not exist." followed by "Reality: Bisexuality is real and bisexuals exist." Includes a graphic with intertwined male and female symbols. Graphic dispelling a myth about bisexual people, stating that bisexuals are attracted to two or more genders. Instead in reality Bisexuals, by definition, are people who are sexually and/or romantically attracted to two or more genders, this includes non-binary and other gender identities. Graphic debunking myths about bisexuality. The top says "Myth: Bisexuals are gay or straight depending on who they are dating at that time." Below, the "Reality" section features an illustrated comic of chameleons staying the bisexual colours. "Bisexuals are... Bisexuals," emphasizing that the person's orientation doesn't change based on their relationship.
September 23, 2025 at 8:30 AM
studentmindsorg.bsky.social
Making friends can feel stressful, but it’s going to be okay!

Just remember that it’s okay if making friends takes time 🧡

Explore our tips on making friends at university today: https://bit.ly/46HUnip
An illustration titled 'A guide to freshers: Making friends' featuring three students conversing. Graphic from StudentMindsOrg with tips on where to make friends at university. List includes going to meet people at lectures, accommodation, social forums, university events, and clubs and societies. Graphic titled 'Tip 2: Time to talk,' offering advice on starting conversations. It suggests saying hi to make the first move, chatting about mutual interests, and pairing up with new people during activities. Illustration of four people sitting at two desks engaged in conversation, with text above offering encouragement on making friends. Text reads "Tip 3: It takes time," and includes advice on patience and persistence in finding friendships.
September 22, 2025 at 3:38 PM
studentmindsorg.bsky.social
This month, thousands of students across the UK are starting new chapters in higher education communities. This should be an exciting time, but due to rising racism, we recognise how scary it may be for many.

The mental health impacts are clear. We’re fighting to ensure all students feel safe 🧡
Graphic with text reads: This month, at the start of a new academic year, students will connect with new friends from around the world, celebrate diverse cultures, and find support in shared experiences. There will be excitement and apprehension as new chapters begin. But for many, there will also be fear and sadness. Students and colleagues from racialised communities will see and feel the rising tide of racism in the UK and will worry about whether they are safe. We’re heartbroken and furious that this is the reality. A graphic with text that reads: The mental health impacts are clear. We’re here for anyone feeling upset, alone, angry and frustrated. We’re fighting to ensure all students feel safe and supported.
September 18, 2025 at 10:08 AM
studentmindsorg.bsky.social
Returning to university life can be a challenge! Here are some tips on how to get through this change.

Need more resources for uni? Check out our website: https://bit.ly/46sRocA
An graphic titled 'A guide to uni: Going back' featuring a person sitting on a bed looking at a laptop. A graphic with text that reads: Tip 1: It’s okay to not have friends yet It's okay if you struggled with making friends last year. Plenty of others feel the same, and many are open to making new friends. Finding friends can take time, but being proactive helps. You could try joining societies that interest you or meeting people through your classes. A graphic with text that reads: Tip 2: Don’t forget academic support The transition from online learning and different academic levels can be really tricky, but remember, you’re not alone. You can access a range of academic and study support from uni such as tutors and other potential resources. There is an illustration of someone studying in the right corner. A graphic with text that reads: Tip 3: Be proud of yourself! While we can never be sure of the future, it's important to remember that you've gotten through so much already and have made it this far! You can make it through anything else. Try to focus on what is certain and make most of opportunities! On the bottom right there is an illustration of three friends hanging out.
September 17, 2025 at 8:55 PM
studentmindsorg.bsky.social
We’re deeply saddened to see so much racist and anti-immigrant rhetoric across the UK right now.

We stand firmly against this racism and xenophobia. We won’t allow this hatred to win.

If you need support, please reach out to Samaritans and Mind's support lines 🧡
A graphic with text on an orange background that reads: We’re deeply saddened to see so much racist and anti-immigrant rhetoric across the UK right now. Whilst this is unsettling and frightening for many, we know that students and colleagues from racialised communities may be feeling particularly unsafe - especially those who are starting university in new towns and cities, away from home and loved ones. At Student Minds, we stand firmly against this racism and xenophobia. We won’t allow this hatred to win.
September 16, 2025 at 10:09 AM
studentmindsorg.bsky.social
Getting ready to move to uni and you’re not sure what to take with you, or how to get settled in? Don’t worry, we’ve got some tips for you.

Check out our website for more settling into uni: https://bit.ly/46nGXHk
An illustration promoting 'A guide to freshers: Moving in!' by StudentMindsOrg, featuring a person with curly hair holding a potted plant, standing near stacked boxes. A graphic with text that reads: Tip 1: Don’t overpack Check what amenities your accommodation already has (i.e. if there’s already a kettle, you probably don’t need to bring one). Bring your favourite bits to make the room your own, but don’t bring your entire room! You probably won't have space and will buy more over time. On the right side of the graphic is an illustration of someone pinning pictures to a corkboard A graphic with text that reads: If you’re staying in shared accommodation, try to meet your flatmates as early as possible. You’ll be spending most of the year with them, so it’s best to get to know them. They may also become some of your first friends at uni too. On the bottom right side of the graphic there is an illustration of three people walking and talking together. A graphic with a photo of two students smiling and studying together in a library, with a text encouraging to check out the Student Minds website for university resources and advice.
September 11, 2025 at 9:51 AM
studentmindsorg.bsky.social
Today is #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, and we want to change the narrative on suicide.

Discussing suicide and suicidal thoughts can be incredibly difficult, but by encouraging honest conversations, we can help and support those who need it. 🧡
A bright yellow sign with the message "There is always another way" written in black text, resting on green grass surrounded by white daisies. The sign includes the attribution "@StudentMindsOrg" in the bottom corner.
September 10, 2025 at 8:50 AM