Wellbeing Week 2019

4 - 8 February 2019

This year, Warwick will be holding a Wellbeing Week to promote the support which is available and communicate key messages on wellbeing, including healthy lifestyles, physical health and activity, mental health, and financial wellbeing.

The whole week will be underpinned by a theme of Dignity and Respect and the impact this can have on our wellbeing. A specific day focusing on Dignity and Respect will be on Tuesday 5 February.

Below you'll find information about events on each topic:

Fun

Wellbeing Warwick Secret Challenge

Monday 4 and Thursday 7 February
2 - 4pm
SH 2.05, Second Floor Senate House

(This session is open to staff and students).

Warwick Secret Challenge is an interdisciplinary brainstorming workshop with elements of design thinking. It was developed and piloted in 2017/18 academic year by a team of Warwick students as an opportunity to challenge oneself, meet other students and staff and learn beyond the boundaries of a degree and department.

During the workshop you will focus on a secret challenge.

This secret challenge will require staff and students from different disciplines and backgrounds to come together and jointly find and propose a way to solve it.
You will be working in a team (~5-6 people per team).
You will be introduced to and guided through various activities to help you and your team unpack your secret challenge and collectively generate ideas on how it might be solved.

Give it a Go! Painting YMCA accommodation

Tuesday 5 February
9.30am - 2pm

(This session is open to students only).

Warwick Volunteers will help paint accommodation for local young people, aged 16-25 who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness. You can read more about Coventry and Warwickshire YMCA : ymca-cw.org.uk

No painting experience necessary you will be shown what to do on the day. Please wear old clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting paint on. Some old T-Shirts you can put on over your clothes will be provided. Lunch and refreshments provided.

You can find more information about Warwick Volunteers Give it a Go! sessions here.

Curator-led Sculpture Trail

Tuesday 5 February
12 - 1pm
Meet outside the Creative Learning Space in Warwick Arts Centre.

(This session is open to staff and students).

Join one of the Mead Gallery curators for an hour-long walking introduction to a selection of sculptures, including Barry Flanagan’s Acrobats. Feel free to bring a packed lunch. Find more information and register to attend the Sculpture Trail here.

Give it a Go! Tree Care -Friends of Canley Green Spaces

Wednesday 6 February
10.30am - 2pm
Meet at Costa Coffee by the Rootes Building

(This session is open to students only).

Seven years ago, Friends of Canley Green Spaces and Warwick Volunteers planted 420 trees that have now grown into a woodland. Volunteers will be revisiting the tree planting site in Park Wood, to cut away unwanted vegetation from around the trees. This will improve the appearance of the new woodland, giving the trees more light to ensure that they grow healthy.

Tools and gloves are provided. No experience is needed. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and strong shoes or boots that you don't mind getting a little muddy. Some of the vegetation is prickly, so wear old clothes that fully cover your arms, legs and ankles.

The activity will last for about 3.5 hours.

You can find more information about Warwick Volunteers Give it a Go! sessions here.

Knot Just Knitting

Thursday 7 February
1 - 3pm
Chaplaincy

(This session is open to students only).

Are you a student or staff member at the University of Warwick? Come and learn to knit and crochet with a friendly group in the Chaplaincy. All materials provided. Drop in any time between 1 and 3 on Thursdays in term time. You can find more information about Knot Just Knitting here.

Warwick Volunteers Crafting Happiness

Thursday 7 February
6 - 8pm
OC1.09, Oculus

(This session is open to students only).

Volunteers design and produce craft-making kits, which are donated to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for patients to use during their stay and also design custom made cards to send to seriously ill children through the charity Postpals. Crafting happiness is a great way to de-stress, do something good and have fun whilst making new friends. No previous experience is required, enthusiasm and joy to give back to the community is all we need. No need to sign up beforehand – just come along.

You can find more information about Crafting Happiness here.

Study Happy Creative Chillout

Friday 8 February
1.30 - 4.30pm
Seminar Room, Library Floor 2

(This session is open to students only).

Study Happy have teamed up with the Creative Learning Team from Warwick Arts Centre to bring some colour in your Library life! Join in and try these relaxing, creative activities:

You will be able to make your own sculpting dough to create your own mini sculpture either inspired by one of the new (or old) sculptures found around campus or just straight out of your own imagination. If you make a sculpture on one of the first sessions, you can bring it back the following week to paint it.
Make an origami Hare inspired by one of our new Hare sculptures on campus.
Create abstract art for your window inspired by the University’s collection of abstract paintings (or something from your own imagination).

All students are welcome and refreshments will also be provided on the day. You can find more information about Study Happy Creative Chillout here.

Mental Health

'Take a Break' sessions

Monday 4 - Friday 8 February
12 - 2pm
Senate House Foyer

(This session is open to staff and students).

The Wellbeing Support Team are holding a ‘Take a Break’ session everyday (Monday to Friday), where staff and students can access advice and information in relation to wellbeing and mental health in an informal setting. Light refreshments (i.e. tea and coffee) will be provided and the session will be attended by representatives from the different teams in the Wellbeing Support Services.

PGR Potential Advantage drop-in session

Monday 4 February
1 - 2.30pm
Wolfson Exchange, Library

(This session is open to Postgraduate Research students only).

Join Potential Advantage for this informal drop-in session! Meet the research team and find out more about this innovative project which explores wellbeing in the PGR community. Current participants are invited to come and share feedback about their experiences so far. It’ll also be the last opportunity for current and new participants to register for Term 2, so don’t miss out! Tea/coffee and cake will be provided.

Spirituality and Wellbeing

Tuesday 5 February
12 - 1pm
Chaplaincy

(This session is open to staff and students).

Kate Pearson, our Anglican Chaplain, will explore the evidence of a link between spirituality and wellbeing. We will explore what spirituality is and look at resources that may help us explore our own spirituality.

PGR Wellbeing Hour

Tuesday 5 February
2 - 3pm
Wolfson Research Exchange

(This session is open to Postgraduate Research students only).

Each week, members of the Postgraduate Community Engagement Team and Wellbeing Support Services will be in the University's dedicated postgraduate spaces to discuss the best ways to improve your wellbeing while studying. Come and speak to the team, share a wellbeing tip in exchange for tea, coffee and fruit, and read the wellbeing tips left by others to get some inspiration! You can find more information about the PGR Wellbeing Hour on the Library's website here.

Study Happy Kirby Corner

Tuesday 5 February
2.45 - 4.15pm
Library Floor 1

(This session is open to students only).

Take a break and join Study Happy for biscuits and chat! You can find more information about Study Happy Kirby Corner on the Library's website here.

PG Tips

Tuesday 5 February
3 - 4pm
Relaxation Room, PG Hub

(This session is open to Postgraduate students only).

There is nothing better than a hot, caffeinated beverage to keep you going through a long day of studying! Join the PG Hub team for a study break, to meet other postgrads, and to share tips on postgrad life. This is also your chance to meet the mentors from the online mentorship community in person and get all of your burning questions answered. You can find more information about PG Tips here.

Main Wellbeing Event – Stands showcasing wellbeing

Wednesday 6 February
10 - 3pm
Chancellor's Suite, Rootes Building

(This session is open to staff and students).

Stands showcasing internal and external wellbeing services, including

‘Take a Break’ sessions.
Warwick Sport activities as well as massages from a sports massage therapist.
Healthy Lifestyles – information on healthy lifestyles which might include weight reduction, increasing physical activity, reducing alcohol intake and smoking cessation techniques. An expression of interest register will also be in operation for people to sign up for a Health MOT (which will be carried out at a later date if enough interest – this would include discussions around lifestyle, smoking, alcohol consumption and blood tests – this would be carried out by NHS professionals).
Financial wellbeing – including Bupa, BHSF, Axa, Union Dental, student funding/finance.
Study Happy.
Warwick Learning Vouchers – pop along and see what you can use your learning vouchers for.
Warwick WI.

Study Happy Mindfulness

Wednesday 6 February
1 - 2pm
Seminar Room, Library Floor 2

(This session is open to students only).

Mindfulness practice is one of the 5 ways to wellbeing recommended by the NHS. Doing regular mindfulness exercises can help manage daily stress and has impact areas of the brain related to memory retrieval, decision making, and outward attention. These free weekly workshops are a great way to try different mindfulness techniques if you are a beginner, and find dedicated space and time for regular practice. No booking necessary, open to all students. If would like to learn more about mindfulness practice, visit: warwick.ac.uk/mindful-library. You can find more information about Study Happy Mindfulness here.

PGT Wellbeing Hour

Wednesday 6 February
2 - 3pm
PG Hub main atrium

(This session is open to Postgraduate Taught students only).

Presentation and workshop of the Phase 1 report 'Improving students' wellbeing in the teaching and learning environment'

Wednesday 6 February
2.15 - 3.30pm
Humanities Studio (H0.76, Humanities Building)

(This session is open to staff and students).

In order to understand and improve students’ wellbeing in the teaching and learning environment at Warwick University, Dr Elena Riva (IATL) together with Sarah Ashworth (Head of Mental Health & Wellbeing), have received Warwick Innovation Fund, IATL, and WIHEA support for a project 'Improving students' wellbeing in the teaching and learning environment' which seeks to identify and promote pedagogic practices that can be embedded in the teaching and learning environment that promote students’ wellbeing and mental health awareness.

In particular, as part of this workshop, the whole research team will present the phase 1 report that captures the results of a series of focus groups ran with the primary aim of understanding the current status of Warwick students’ wellbeing in the teaching and learning environment, as well as identifying key themes that need to be addressed in order to improve it. In particular, this report sets out four key findings and defines some ‘working tools’ to ensure that students and academics are effectively supported.

Come along if, as a student or staff member, you are interested in making a difference in this area or if it is something you want to know more about!

Student Funding stand

Thursday 7 February
11am - 2pm
Atrium, Students' Union

(This session is open to students only).

Speak to Student Funding during Wellbeing Week and National Student Money Week in the Atrium at the SU.

Wellbeing and Failure (Dr Jonathan Heron, IATL)

Thursday 7 February
2 - 4pm
SH 2.05, Senate House

(This session is open to staff and students).

This session will take the form of a participatory workshop which will enable students to reflect upon issues of mental and physical health in relation to the interdisciplinary subject of failure. We will consider critiques of the wellbeing agenda and challenge conventional narratives of success and wellness. Case studies will draw upon the creative arts as well as medical and social models of disability in order to consider ‘failing better’ as a strategy for wellbeing.

Taster session of the IATL Module Understanding Wellbeing Theory and Practice.

Motivation and Productivity

Friday 8 February
10 - 12pm
Wellbeing Support Services, Senate House

(This session is open to students only).

The aim of this workshop is to increase understanding around what factors can impact on motivation and productivity. By focusing on these factors attendees can look at ways to overcome any challenges and make the necessary changes to the way they work, organise their time and consider their wellbeing which in turn will aid improving motivation and productivity. The session will cover:

Defining 'Motivation'.
Challenges to motivation.
Ways to increase motivation.
Setting goals.
Skills and tips to improve motivation.
Making changes.
Barriers and pitfalls.
Productivity and wellbeing.

Find more information and register to attend here.

Physical Health, Food, and Exercise

Health Check

Provided by Healthy Lifestyles Coventry. This would include blood tests and discussions around lifestyle e.g. smoking, alcohol consumption, and exercise.

Yoga for Productivity

Monday 4 February
8 - 8.45am
Humanities Studio

(This session is open to staff and students).

Start Monday with gentle invigorating movement leaving you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the week. This class can help to boost memory, concentration and productivity. Find more activities from Warwick Sport here.

Student Minds Mental Health in Sport Workshop

Tuesday 5 February
10 – 11.30am
Friday 8 February
11am – 12.30pm
Cryfield

(This session is open to staff and students).

The purpose of this workshop is to increase awareness of mental health and promote an inclusive and supportive environment in physical activity and sport. Register to attend the Mental Health in Sport Workshop here.

Wellbeing Walk

Tuesday 5 February
12.30 - 1pm
Meet Ground Floor Library

(This session is open to staff and students).

Find more activities from Warwick Sport here.

Menopause: Stress, nutrition, and exercise (Julie Dennis, Henpicked)

Tuesday 5 February
1 - 3pm
OC0.02, Oculus

(This session is open to staff and students).

Nutritionist, personal trainer, mental health first aider, and menopause expert Julie Dennis will speak about stress, nutrition, exercise and the menopause.

Stress is a key trigger for menopause symptoms. You can’t avoid stress but you can learn how to manage it through the way you eat, drink, move, and think. The session will cover:

Smart menopause eating and drinking essentials to keep you cool and sharpen up your thinking.
The right type of exercise to ease anxiety, burn fat and boost your confidence.
A ninja menopause mindset trick that can stop a hot flush or menopausal rage in its track and get you back to sleep at 3am.

Julie specialises in practical and natural solutions for controlling menopause symptoms and help busy professional women break through the brain fog of menopause. You can find more information about Julie on her website www.juliedennis.net.

Drop-in Climbing Session

Tuesday 5 and Thursday 7 February
4 - 5.30pm

(This session is open to staff and students).

These sessions will be led by Warwick Sports' climbing instructors. No climbing experience is necessary. If you are interested in this session please email .

CPR & Defibrillator hands-on practice session

Wednesday 6 February
10 - 10.45am
R0.14 Ramphal

1.15 - 2pm
OC1.01 Oculus

This session is now full, please complete the registration form if you wish to be added to the waiting list.

(This session is open to staff and students).

Transforming Running into Mindfulness

Wednesday 6 February
10 - 11.30am
Cryfield Pavillion

(This session is open to students only).

TRiM focuses on developing mindfulness through a mindful approach to running. An accessible way to experience the benefits of physical activity for health and wellbeing. This six-week course costs £20 for University of Warwick students. Wednesday 6 February, 10 - 11.30am, Cryfield Pavillion. Book on the TRiM course here.

Zumba Strong Class

Wednesday 6 February
10.30 - 11.15am
11.30 - 12.15pm
Desso Hall

(This session is open to staff and students).

These sessions are free of charge.

Pop-up #BeatTheBear

Wednesday 6 February
12 - 2pm

(This session is open to staff and students).

Take on your favourite university mascot 'Terry the Bear' in brand new sporting challenges around campus every Wednesday 12 - 2pm. Be in with a chance of winning some great prizes. Find more activities from Warwick Sport here.

First Steps to Fitness

Thursday 7 February
7.15 - 8.15am
Functional Studio, Sports Centre

(This session is open to staff and students).

For anyone getting back into exercise and looking to increase your knowledge and improve fitness, health and wellbeing.

Available to University of Warwick students and staff
Small groups of up to 10 people
Personal trainer led learning
6 week course, with one session per week

This course costs £15 for University of Warwick students & staff. Find more information and book your place on First Steps to Fitness here.

Disability Football

Thursday 7 February
4 - 5.30pm
4G football pitch (next to Cryfield Sports Pavilion)

(This session is open to staff and students).

Fun and friendly disability football sessions for all needs and abilities

Increase confidence and independence
Learn new skills
Make new friends and be part of a team
Experienced disability football coaches

To find out more and get involved, contact .

No Kit No Problem

Thursday 7 February
5.30 - 6:15pm
Warwick Sport Humanities Studio

(This session is open to staff and students).

Build resilience and release stress through a combination of low impact movement, body weight exercises and stretching all in the comfort of your own clothes. Find more activities from Warwick Sport here.

Lunchtime run

Friday 8 February
12.15 - 1pm
Meet at University House (by pedestrian crossing)

(This session is open to staff and students). Find more activities from Warwick Sport here.

Respect

Respect Day

Tuesday 5 February

(This session is open to staff and students).

Departments to promote dignity and respect at Warwick - what will your department be doing?

How to Manage Your Emotions to Improve Relationships at Work

Tuesday 5 February
11.45am – 12.45pm
2.006, WBS

(This session is open to staff only).

We all have times when certain events or the actions of others in the workplace can result in a negative emotion rising up within us. Whilst an initial emotional response can surface in an instant and is difficult to avoid, what follows is something we have more control over. Managing our emotions is an important aspect of emotional intelligence that we could all be developing for ourselves. In doing so we are more likely to respond to others with respect and consideration, whilst also feeling able to effectively handle relationship challenges in the workplace.

This one hour interactive workshop will provide you with insights and tools that will equip you to manage your emotions more effectively and to improve your relationships at work.

Dignity and Respect

Tuesday 5 February
1 - 3pm
R3.25, Ramphal

Friday 8 February
1.30 - 3.30pm
R1.03, Ramphal

(This session is open to staff only).

What is dignity? Why bother respecting anyone?

We hear the words dignity and respect a lot. But what do they actually mean? And what do they mean in the workplace?

This workshop will explore dignity and respect, and how they are essential to our professional and personal lives. Participants will have a chance to consider why dignity is important, and the consequences of actions that violate human dignity. As such, the workshop may deal with some issues that are particularly troubling, and may cause discomfort. The workshop is designed to provide the opportunity for participants to discuss concerns in a supportive environment.