Health & Fitness Week puts the spotlight on student wellbeing

Richmond students experienced a wide range of revitalising activities during the University’s Health and Fitness Week held earlier this month.

From ‘Doug the Therapy Pug’ to free fitness sessions at Kensington Virgin Active and free Graze power snacks, there was something for everyone to enjoy during the week-long session, aimed at improving both the physical and mental health of students, staff and faculty.

With World Mental Health Day being a focus on 10 October, a number of activities encouraged students to get involved, with a mental health awareness board in Atlantic House available, as well as a collaboration organised with Mind mental health charity, all supported by Richmond Psychology Association.  In addition to this, an initiative to encourage students to be a bone marrow donor raised awareness of how we could help save lives.

Belinda Bains, Richmond’s Student Health and Wellness Coordinator, said, “We were delighted with the reaction from students, staff and faculty to our Health & Fitness Week, which had an overwhelmingly positive response.  It was really important to us to focus on both mental and physical health during the initiative, to encourage students to have a healthy, balanced lifestyle and I’d like to thank our great student leaders team in Residence Life, Peer Mentoring and Student Government, who provided fantastic support during the week.

“We want to keep the momentum going throughout the year to help improve student wellbeing and so, if you have any ideas on how to improve student health and wellness at Richmond, or have any issues or concerns, do please get in touch with me on bainsb@richmond.ac.uk.”