Tag: health and wellbeing

Student Drug and Alcohol Steering Group scoops collaboration award!

Author Student Communications | Posted on

by Becky

This award specifically celebrates teams of students and staff who join forces to deliver campaigns or initiatives that make a genuine, positive impact on student life.

The judges were looking for true partnership—projects where student insights and staff expertise combine to create something powerful. The Student Drug & Alcohol Steering Group did exactly that…for the second year in a row!

Why we won: The Ketamine Campaign

While the group works hard year-round to keep our community safe and informed, it was the recent Ketamine Campaign that truly stole the spotlight.

The initiative was highlighted by the judging panel for making a tangible, life-changing difference to student lives. By focusing on harm reduction, education and safety the campaign met students exactly where they were and provided them with what they needed.

A true student-staff partnership

What makes this win so special is how the work gets done. The Student Steering Group brings together a diverse mix of student representatives and university staff.

Want to get involved?

This award belongs to everyone who engaged with the campaign, shared the resources and looked out for their mates. The Steering Group is always looking for fresh perspectives to help shape future initiatives.

If you are passionate about student wellbeing and want to be part of an award-winning team, complete our form and expect to hear from us in the Autumn: Expression of interest Student-Led Drug & Alcohol Steering Group

Huge congratulations to everyone involved in the Steering Group—thank you for keeping our campus safe, supportive, and collaborative!

Staying Connected: Tackling Loneliness Over the Summer

Author Student Communications | Posted on

For many students, summer is something to look forward to; a break from deadlines, lectures and early starts. But for others, it can feel somewhat difficult.

Whether you’re staying in Bristol while friends head home, or returning to a family environment that feels a bit complicated, loneliness can show up in ways you might not expect.

If you’re staying in Bristol this summer

A quieter campus and fewer familiar faces can feel isolating. But Bristol is still very much alive over the summer and there are ways to stay connected, often without spending much money.

Find low-pressure ways to meet people
Look for relaxed, drop-in style activities where there’s no expectation to already know anyone.

You could also try:

  • Board game cafés like Chance & Counters (regular social events)
  • Creative spaces like Spike Island (free exhibitions and a calm place to spend time)
  • Cinema and café spaces like Watershed (often host talks and screenings you can attend solo)
  • The Wardrobe Theatre (affordable leading fringe theatre venue in Old Market)

Make the most of Bristol’s outdoor spaces
Getting outside can help break up long days and lift your mood.

  • Clifton Downs – ideal for a walk, a picnic or just sitting in the sun
  • Brandon Hill – a quieter green space with views over the city
  • Harbourside – a good place for a walk, coffee, or sitting by the water

Stay connected to university support
Even outside of term time, our support services are still there if you need them.

Create your own routine
Without the structure of lectures, days can blur together. Try building small activities into your week. For example:

  • A regular study or job-search block
  • A weekly trip to a café (Stokes Croft and Park Street have lots of great options)
  • A set time for exercise or a walk

Do something that gets you around people (without pressure)
Even being around others can help you feel less isolated, even if you don’t know them personally. For example:

  • Visiting Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
  • Spending time at St Nicholas Market
  • Sitting with a book or laptop at a busy café

If you’re going home (and it feels complicated)

Going home isn’t always a simple or comforting experience. Family dynamics, expectations, or feeling like you’ve changed while everything else hasn’t can all contribute to anxiety or loneliness.

Set realistic expectations
It’s okay if things don’t feel perfect. Try to avoid putting pressure on yourself to have a ‘perfect summer’ or to fix long-standing dynamics in a short time.

Keep part of your independence
Maintaining small elements of your university routine; whether that’s going for a solo coffee, continuing hobbies, or setting aside time for yourself can help you feel grounded.

Stay digitally connected
Regular messages, voice notes or video calls with friends in Bristol or elsewhere can remind you that your support network is still there and that these periods of time are just temporary

Small steps that can help, wherever you are
Loneliness isn’t always about being physically alone, it’s about feeling disconnected. The good news is that even small actions can help rebuild that sense of connection.

Reach out to existing or old friends in your hometown
Sending a simple message like “How are you getting on?” can often lead to more connection than you expect.

Get outside
Spending time outdoors has been linked to improved mood and reduced stress: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/nature-and-mental-health).

Limit comparison
Social media can make it seem like everyone else is having an amazing summer. Remember, social media isn’t real: you’re only seeing a highlight reel.

Know when to ask for support
If loneliness starts to feel overwhelming or persistent, it’s important to speak to someone.

Final thought

Summer can look very different for everyone. Whether you’re staying in Bristol, heading home, or somewhere in between, your experience is valid.

Connection doesn’t have to be big or dramatic; sometimes it’s just one message, one conversation, or one small plan that helps.

And if this summer feels tough, that doesn’t mean it will always feel that way.

Let’s talk about women’s health

Author Student Communications | Posted on

Women’s health is political. You only have to glance at the news to see debates and discussions on a whole range of issues directly related to women’s health – reproductive rights, maternity care, the gaps in research and funding.  

All of this means there’s a lot of misinformation and misunderstanding out there. That’s why it’s so important that you do your own research to look after yourself, prioritise your health and advocate for yourself. 

To mark International Women’s Day 2026 we’ve pulled together some of the most important topics that you should be thinking about. 

What can you do to look after your health? 

Register with a GP

It sounds simple, but getting registered with a GP is often something people don’t think about until they need to book an appointment. UWE has a health centre which is open to all our students, no matter which campus you study at. 

Contraception and sexual health

This is an area where there’s a huge amount of misinformation online. Protecting yourself from unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections is so important, and if you have questions or concerns then it’s vital you get your information from a valid, qualified source. Firstly, speaking to your GP or surgery nurse is an obvious start, but there are reputable websites where you can find out more information. 

  • The Lowdown: A Women’s Health Review Platform – people rate their opinions on different methods and discuss their own experiences on certain types of contraception. 
  • Contraception Choices – this has a really nice visual tool which shows the likelihood of pregnancy on all methods of contraception. The information on this site is also approved by the College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare so the information is trustworthy. 
Periods and hormones

The NHS recommends tracking your cycle to understand what your hormones are doing each month. Not only does this allow you to get in tune with your body, but it helps your notice any changes which could be cause for concern or further investigation. Knowledge is power! You can use apps to track your cycle (just be aware of how your data might be being used) or you can keep it simple by making notes in your phone calendar, or even an old-school paper diary. 

Routine NHS screenings and vaccinations

There is a programme of routine health screenings and vaccinations which is designed to both protect you from illnesses and also ensure early detection of disease.  

  • All children are offered the HPV vaccine at age 12/13, as it reduces the risk of you getting human papillomavirus, which can lead to an increased risk of certain types of cancer. You can check your vaccine status through your GP and arrange to catch up with any you have missed. 
  • From the age of 25 you will be invited for cervical screening, which checks the health of your cervix and helps prevent cervical cancer. 
  • Check your breasts. As with all health-related issues, knowing what is normal for your body is very important. The NHS recommends that everyone checks their breasts or chest around once a month, so you have the best possible chance of noticing any changes. 
Drugs and alcohol

UWE Bristol’s specialist drug and alcohol practitioner Becky Risley says that due to the male-dominant focus of most drugs research, the evidence on the specific risks for women remains limited, meaning harm reduction advice may not always fully apply to them. However, we do know that women typically reach high blood-alcohol concentrations than men, and appear more vulnerable to MDMA-related complications.

  • This makes it especially important that you measure your dose, stay hydrated and avoid feeling pressured into keeping up with others. 
  • In our recent survey, 26% of female students reported using drugs occasionally, compared to 18% of male students. The good news is that these students told us they were more likely to engage with harm reduction advice and seek support when they need it. 
  • Check out the UWE Drug and Alcohol webpage for information and guidance on reducing risks. 
Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Around one in five women have a mental health condition, and there are some societal issues which can put women at risk of poorer mental health than men. All of this means it is important you have awareness of your own mental health, the things you can do to look after yourself, and how you can access support when you need it. 

  • The Wisdom app is your go-to place if you’re feeling stressed, anxious or you just need a little extra support. You can chat with a qualified counsellor anytime through live chat, video call, phone or WhatsApp, and there’s also self-help tools. 
  • Every Mind Matters is an NHS campaign focusing on mental health, and includes specific advice and support for young people. 

Gentle January – How to avoid toxic health myths

Author Student Communications | Posted on

Many of you know by now that the New Year is an awful time to be making extreme changes to your health.

Although we are starting to turn away from ‘new year new me’ fad diets, detoxes and unsustainable work outs goals, it can be hard to not let the noise around a new year impact how we see ourselves and motivate ourselves for the year ahead. Let’s take a look at ways you can have a more gentle January, by listening to your body and being kinder to yourself.

First of all, let’s look at the harm it can cause…

Juice cleanses, keto, macros, fasting, detoxing, squat challenges, bootcamps…We’ve all heard the buzzwords around this time of year and hopefully you all know to steer well clear. Fad diets and gimmick workouts work by tapping into an idea that you need to ‘get back on track’ after the indulgence of Christmas and New Year and that setting unrealistic, harmful and unsustainable diet and exercise goals will help us ‘hack’ our way into health quickly.

Jumping into a rigorous exercise schedule can lead to injury or burn out, not to mention it’s really hard to maintain, which can also impact our mental health if we feel like we are ‘failing’.

Detoxes and strict diets can lead to nutrient deficiencies, illness, long term hunger, as well a problematic relationship with food and eating. The idea of ‘detoxing’ is also a myth in itself; we have our own built-in detox system that works 24/7 to keep us healthy – our liver and kidneys!

To add to this, January isn’t exactly a time of year where everyone is flush. Gym memberships, supplements and new diets can be expensive and rigorous exercise schedules can take away from revision and rest time if you have hand-ins and assessments through January. Try and avoid this overwhelm and give yourself a break!

Time to reframe the new year?

We shouldn’t shame ourselves for having a great time over the festive period. You’ve had a long year, worked hard and deserve to enjoy nice food and drink with friends and family.

January in the UK is a time of cold nights, wet weather and lack of sunlight. It’s no wonder you aren’t feeling motivated right now – we are in our hibernation era! Lack of sunlight can affect mood and energy levels, making it harder to stick to big lifestyle changes. Follow nature’s lead and consider moving any big changes to the spring months. More daylight and warmer temperatures naturally boost mood and energy levels. This makes it easier to get outside, exercise, and feel motivated. Spring is associated with growth and renewal. Plants are blooming and days feel brighter. This psychological ‘fresh start’ effect can make goals feel more achievable, as well as helping you feel like you have more energy and motivation.

What can I do instead?

ry and think of health and wellness as progress, not perfection. Find small, achievable wins and focus on how you feel, not how you look. This could mean small initial steps to be consistent and build healthy habits. Things like reducing your screen time, drinking more water, setting up a regular sleep pattern and making sure you get outside at least once a day is a great way to build up to other things as the year progresses.

Prioritise a varied diet, eat the rainbow and find meal ideas that keep you fuller for longer and make you feel good. Remember to speak to a GP if you think you may be deficient in any key vitamins, but a good place to start is Vitamin D, especially as the government recommends that most adults should be taking this in Autumn and Winter.

Try and find a way of moving your body that you can maintain and easily make a habit of. The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity a week. This could be anything from walking, dancing, riding bike, all the way through to exercise classes or sports. Find what feels good for your body, what you have time and energy for and go from there.

Screen time can also play a huge part in how you feel about yourself. Maybe it’s time to ‘curate’ your social media? Unfollow or mute accounts that promote extreme diets, “detoxes,” or unrealistic body goals. Remove celebs who are promoting products, schemes or diets. It’s all about money! You can also tailor your feeds to your interests to really make sure nothing is sneaking in that you don’t want to see. Try and be your own topic filter in real life too, carefully dip out or gently shut down conversations that you feel are tapping into problematic topics or habits. You can say: ‘I’d rather not talk about diets, can we change the subject?’ or ‘I’m not much of an exercise talker but I’m glad something is working for you’.

Get help if you need it 

If you’re struggling this time of year, you are not alone. We have a range of resources from self help, helplines, apps and health service teams. Find what works for you here. 

For further information, check out these pages on our website:

Real health is about balance, not extremes. Start the year by caring for your body and mind in sustainable ways – you’ll thank yourself later.

Your harm reduction guide to Cannabis

Author Student Communications | Posted on

by Becky Risley

We want to make sure you’re safe, whatever substance you choose to use. That’s why we’ve created a series of guidance telling you how you to look after yourself, before, during and after using a substance.

So let’s get started…

Cannabis is a plant, used for its mind-altering effects. Different strains offer various effects, making it popular for recreational use to feel relaxed, happy, and creative. Cannabis can be consumed by smoking, eating, vaping, or using oils and sprays.

Making you aware of the harm Cannabis can cause is important so you can make informed decisions.

So, if you do decide to use Cannabis, how can you reduce the harm?

Before

Do your research

Understand the effects and risks of using cannabis, especially if your
new to cannabis use.

  • Where possible, try to understand the strain you’re smoking by finding out the levels of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) vs CBD (Cannabidiol).
  • Cannabis with high levels of THC and low levels of CBD will increase the risk of paranoia, agitation and dependency.

Avoid tobacco

  • If you don’t use tobacco usually, starting to use it to smoke cannabis can form a dependency on nicotine, meaning you crave it more often.

Be careful with edibles

  • Eating cannabis is a very different experience to smoking it as it takes longer to hit (up to 2 hours) and the effects will last much longer.
  • The dose can also be much harder to manage so start low
    and go slow.

Think about your mindset

  • How we’re feeling can impact our experience of using cannabis.

And setting

  • The environment you’re in can change your experience of using cannabis.
  • Think about who you are with, or whether you’re ok on
    your own.
  • Will the people you’re with be supportive and caring if
    you need some help?
  • Is this a safe and comfortable environment to use cannabis?

During

Cannabis and alcohol

  • Using alcohol and cannabis together will increase the effects of
    each substance.
  • If you plan on using both substances together start low
    and go slow.
  • It can also make you more likely to white-out. See below
    for more info.

Cannabis and psychedelics

  • Whilst using cannabis and psychedelics tend not to cause physical harm to the individual, the psychological impact can be unpredictable, even in experienced cannabis users.
  • Use with caution and as with everything, start low and go slow.

Whitey/white-out/greening out

  • If you are new to using cannabis, using a new strain or consuming a higher dose than normal, you may feel unwell.
  • You might feel sick, paranoid, dizzy or go pale.
  • To help with these symptoms you can drink some water, orange juice or a sugary drink but avoid alcohol as this will make symptoms worse.
  • You can also try laying down and taking deep breaths to fill your lungs with fresh oxygen.
  • If you’re supporting a friend, ask them what they need, do they need to talk or to be left alone for the feeling to pass?
  • Once you’ve recovered, take it easy for the rest of the day and avoid using any more cannabis or other substances even if you feel better.

After

What to expect

  • The day after using cannabis you may feel tired, lethargic or like everything is happening in slow motion.
  • Cannabis use impacts your usual sleep cycle meaning you don’t wake up feeling refreshed.
  • You might also feel dehydrated so drink plenty of water and rest if you need to.
  • It’s illegal to drive if you’re impaired by THC. Even after the effects have worn off, THC can still be detected in your system and impact your driving.
  • Taking regular breaks from cannabis will help keep your tolerance low and prevent a dependency forming, breaks could be 3-4 days or longer.

Paranoia and agitation

  • Feeling paranoid or anxious after using cannabis?
  • This could be to do with the strain of cannabis, but it could also be how your brain reacts to THC no matter what the dose.
  • Usually, these symptoms will go away within a couple of days… but the best advice is to stop using it.

How to know if you have a Cannabis dependency

  • Relying on cannabis to eat, sleep or get tasks done.
  • Using cannabis when you have planned not to, or having a high tolerance.
  • Daily use.
  • Hiding your cannabis use from friends or family.

If you have more questions, need support or want to make a change to your Cannabis use, just get in touch. You can find out more about me and the UWE drug and alcohol service on our drugs and alcohol webpage.

How’s your sleep hygiene?

Author Student Communications | Posted on

No, we don’t mean how many times a month you change your bedding (but you should do this regularly) we’re talking about your sleeping habits.

As outlined by Mind, “there’s a close relationship between sleep and mental health” and “that both living with a mental health problem can affect how well you sleep and poor sleep can have a negative impact on your mental health.”

Studies have shown that problems sleeping, whether that be struggling to fall asleep, stay asleep or interrupted sleep, can increase feelings of worry, loneliness and irritability. It can also lead to lack of concentration, trouble making decisions and impact symptoms of pre-existing mental health problems like depression and anxiety.

So, it’s an important thing to look at and take seriously when trying to stay happy and healthy, especially at university. We’re not saying you need to totally cancel those late nights studying or socialising, but it’s good to be aware of what can impact your sleep and how to get into a good routine.

We’ve pulled together some top tips from Mind so if you want to know more, keep reading!

Establish a routine

Many people find going to bed and/or waking up at the same time each day helps them establish a good pattern of sleep.

Think about what you do before you go to bed

Stress and worry are one of the biggest reasons our sleep might be disturbed. Whether it’s caused by relationships, money or an impending uni deadline, we often find these worries feel bigger and louder when trying to sleep.

Breathing exercises and meditation are great ways to reduce stress, relax before bed and ready your body for sleep.

It’s also worth thinking about what you’ve consumed before you go to bed, as things like sugar, caffeine, alcohol and drugs can seriously affect your slumber. Moving your body in some way throughout the day can also help you fall asleep at night.

Think about your environment

There might be only so much you can change in your student bedroom but temperature, light and noise levels can all affect our sleep. Think ear plugs and eye masks, or maybe a low light and podcast to help you drift off.

If temperature is your problem, investigate what duvet you’re using as it could be making you too hot or cold!

Turn off those screens

There are mountains of research which shows that using screens in the evening can negatively affect your sleep.

The best way round this is to avoid using your phone before going to sleep full stop. But if you can’t try to reduce the brightness and don’t play stimulating games just before you go to bed.

Putting your phone on silent or airplane mode whilst you sleep will also reduce the likelihood of you being disturbed during the night.

What to do if you really can’t sleep?

If you’re struggling to sleep it can feel frustrating, stressful and at some times lonely – we’ve all had that moment at 3am where it feels like we’re the only person awake in the whole world, right?

But try not to force sleep. If you can do something to relax in bed like reading, listening to something soothing, or meditation, give that a go. Sometimes getting out of bed to do something calming until you feel tired can also help.

If you want more tips on how to improve your sleep take a look at this guide from Mind and if you need support with your mental health and wellbeing don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Your harm reduction guide to alcohol

Author Student Communications | Posted on

by Becky Risley

We want to make sure you’re safe, whatever substance you choose to use. That’s why we’ve created a series of guidance telling you how you to look after yourself, before, during and after using a substance.

So let’s get started…

Alcohol. From a chemical point of view, alcohol is a broad class of organic compounds usually referred to as ethanol; a colourless, volatile liquid made by fermenting sugars from grains or fruits.

It’s the most widely used drug for altering consciousness and according to the Drugs and Alcohol Survey 2024, it’s still the most widely used substance by UWE students. Unlike other substances, it’s also the most normalised in our society and many of the negative side effects, such as blackouts or hangxiety are often shrugged off as part of the experience.

But these, as well as the other associated affects of alcohol can be harmful. So how can you reduce the harm?

Before

  • Eating before you drink will protect the stomach lining and slow down the onset rate of the alcohol.
  • This helps you pace yourself better and will hopefully avoid nausea, bloating, or general stomach discomfort.
  • Plan what are you going to drink, how much and what time you’d like to be home by.
  • Thinking about these things before you start drinking will help you achieve the night out you want!

Think about your mindset

  • How we are feeling can impact our experience of using alcohol.
  • Using alcohol when we are feeling anxious can result in us drinking quicker and more than we intended.
  • Using alcohol when feeling down or upset can have unintended consequences such as being more impulsive or getting more upset than we were before we started.
  • This can increase the risk of hurting ourselves or someone else.

And setting

  • The environment you’re in can change your experience of using alcohol.
  • Think about who you’re with, or if you’re ok drinking on your own.
  • Do you know the people you’re with? Will they be supportive and caring if you need some help?
  • Is this a safe and comfortable environment to drink?
  • Thinking about mindset and setting is a useful tool when deciding to use any drug including alcohol.

During

Safety first

  • Do not drink and drive – it’s not worth it!
  • Carry condoms.
  • Avoid drinking alone.

Pace yourself

  • Avoid drinking in rounds as you’ll have to keep pace with the fastest drinker.
  • Consider spritzers, lager tops or low percentage spirits to avoid
    drinking too much.
  • Take breaks – if it’s safe to do so, put your drink down in between sips.
  • Swap out every other drink for a non-alcoholic option to stay hydrated and pace yourself.

Do your research

  • If you plan on mixing alcohol with other substances including prescribed medication like SSRI’s (Anti-depressants), research how they will interact at drugsand.me

How do I know if my friend needs help or just needs to sleep it off?

  • If you spot these signs, your friend could have alcohol poisoning, which can be fatal if left untreated. Remember MUST HELP and then call for help:
  • Mental confusion. Unresponsive Snoring / Gasping for breath. Throwing up. Hypothermia. Erratic Breathing. Loss of consciousness. Pale or blue skin.

After

Hangxiety

  • Drinking alcohol suppresses anxiety chemicals but as it is processed and leaves the body, the anxiety chemicals can rebound coming back stronger than before.
  • Hangxiety can also be exacerbated from blacking out or having periods of time where you can’t remember what happened, which will fuel the anxiety further.
  • To try to help the feelings, get out of bed, drink a large glass of water, have a shower and speak to a trusted friend about how you’re feeling.
  • If you know alcohol affects your anxiety, consider drinking less.

Hair of dog

  • Drinking alcohol when you’re hungover is just delaying the inevitable and runs the risk of the hangover being even worse than it was initially.
  • There is no cure for a hangover other than time.

Take a break

  • The recommended weekly limit/maximum for alcohol consumption is 14 units.
  • Having multiple days off alcohol each week may help prevent you becoming reliant on alcohol.
  • Think about making plans with friends which don’t involve alcohol.

If you have more questions, need support or want to make a change to your alcohol use, just get in touch. You can find out more about me and the UWE drug and alcohol service on our drugs and alcohol webpage.

You might also be interested in…

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Student Drug and Alcohol Steering Group scoops collaboration award!

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Recipe for a good mental health chat

Author Student Communications | Posted on

If you’re someone who struggles with your mental health then it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.

Recent research by Student Minds revealed that one in four students have a diagnosed mental health issue, and 30 per cent said their mental health had got worse since starting university.

It’s not hard to see why that might be the case. Living away from home for the first time. Trying to make new friends. Juggling socialising, studying and earning money. The pressure of assessments.

All of these things can mean you might find yourself struggling more than usual.

Obviously some mental health issues require sustained, professional support, and it’s important that you reach out for the help you need – there’s a whole range of support services available to you here at UWE Bristol. For many of us, there are simple, every day things we can do to ease stresses and anxieties, and one of the most important is just opening up and talking about how you’re feeling.

For World Mental Health Day, we’re using the opportunity to encourage everyone to take the time to chat with a friend or someone you feel close to. Check in with them, find out how they’re really doing and give both of you the opportunity to open up about your feelings.

So, what is the recipe for a really good chat?

  • Find a space where you’re comfortable. Don’t pick a time when you’re both busy or rushed, or where there’s loads of people around who might be half listening. Sit down somewhere calm and quiet, and when you’ve got the time to really have a proper chat without interruptions.
  • Start with “how are you reaaally feeling?” We all know how easy it is to just go into autopilot and tell people you’re fine, when someone asks how things are going. You need to make sure the other person knows that you want to dig a bit deeper than that and give them the opportunity to properly open up.
  • Be open and listen. For the chat to be worthwhile, both of you need to be ready to open up and also listen to each other. Why not look up tips on active listening if this is something that you’ve struggled with.
  • Acknowledge each other’s feelings and don’t judge. Shame or fear of judgement can be one of the many reasons why people don’t feel comfortable sharing their feelings. Make sure the person sharing with you knows that they’re in a safe space.
  • Don’t always try and solve the problem, sometimes people just need support. Very often people just want someone to really listen to what they’re saying. That’s all you need to do. However, if the conversation causes you to feel concerned about someone’s wellbeing or safety, then don’t hesitate to seek support. If you have urgent concerns about the welfare of a student or you need support yourself, then you should contact the 24/7 Serious Concerns Line.

So, in the spirit of World Mental Health Day, why not check in with a friend and take the time to sit down for a proper chat.

– Student Communications Team

#CleanLiving – Tackling social media wellness trends

Author Student Communications | Posted on

#CleanEating. The baby food diet. Lemon-infused coffee. Tadpole water. Raw milk. 

Chances are that if you know what any of the above means then it’s because you saw someone promoting it on social media as a wellness trend. 

It’s completely normal to want to be fit and healthy. And when you see someone online talking about a new and interesting way that they are #livingtheirbestlife, it’s natural to be curious and consider trying it for yourself. Especially when they throw in some scientific-sounding words which make it seem like it’s backed up by studies and research. 

The reality is that so many of these viral wellness trends are at best, ineffective, and at worst, downright dangerous. You might be eating or drinking things which are actually bad for you, restricting your diet in an extreme way, or misdiagnosing or mistreating genuine conditions which you should really see a doctor about. 

Also, following fake health trends which are not based in scientific fact can leave you feeling anxious, stressed or upset, when you don’t get the results that you’ve been promised. 

You’ve heard of the algorithm right? Well, this is where you need carefully consider what your social media platforms are choosing to show you. The more you view certain content, and the more you search for certain topics, the more you will be fed content based on those key words.  

For example, you start looking for workout ideas and before long your feed starts filling up with diet tips and weight loss advice. 

Protecting yourself from fake news and misinformation is key to keeping yourself safe online. 

We’re not saying you need to come off social media – that would feel impossible, right – just carefully question everything that you see and read on the internet. 

What should you do?

  • Why is the person telling you this information? Do they have a motive? The job of an influencer is self-explanatory – they want to influence you to do something or buy something. Bear that in mind when you listen to what they are saying. 
  • Do your research. Don’t just rely on one source for information. If you see or hear something which sounds interesting, then go away and read up about it elsewhere before making a decision. 
  • Look for professionals. There are legitimate nutritionists, doctors, scientists and fitness experts who use social media to give you authentic advice and guidance. Look at who you are following and check their qualifications and credentials.   
  • If you’re worried your algorithm is showing you too much nonsense then reset your recommendations. You can control what content you are consuming, so be smart with this. 

In summary – question everything.  

Approach this the way you would your studies. You’re here at uni to interrogate information, check sources, and do your own research. Use these skills in your social media activity and this will help you avoid dangerous misinformation. 

Tackling loneliness

Author Student Communications | Posted on

Loneliness is something that everyone feels at some point in their lives and each of our experiences are individual to us. It’s something which is particularly common at university. In fact, isolation and loneliness are two of the biggest problems facing current university students, both nationally and here at UWE Bristol.

Making friends and building connections at uni can be tough. It doesn’t come easy to everyone. You’re away from your usual support network, often living away from home for the first time, and it can get lonely sometimes.

If you’re struggling with feelings of loneliness, why not take a look at Mind’s website for tips and guidance.

We’ve also pulled together some information on how to build connections and meet others.

We hope you find this useful and remember to reach out to our Wellbeing Service if you’re finding things overwhelming. You can also find a range of self-help resources online.

Tips to help with loneliness

Watch this short video from Mind for tips to help you with loneliness.

Mind – connecting with others

Connect with others at the university

Events

A huge part of university life is meeting new people and making connections. To help you do this, there are a huge range of events and activities you can get involved with, whether you’re the life of the party or you prefer something more low key.

This is your chance to shape your experience to suit you, so take a look at what’s on offer and start building your community.

MOVE

MOVE is free for all UWE Bristol students and is designed to get you involved in activities that help you feel good and be active. There are a huge variety of classes and more than 100 weekly sessions. With so many different sessions available, you can try something new, take time to relax and meet lots of new people. 

The Centre for Music

Join the Centre for Music– a free, exclusive facility for all UWE Bristol students and staff. Sign up to get involved with one of their playing and singing groups, take advantage of the rehearsal rooms and studio space, or go along to any sessions or music lessons.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to meet others, all whilst doing something great that makes you feel good. You can take part as little or as often as you like, and you’ll meet people whilst helping your community.

Connect with others through The Students’ Union

Events

The Students’ Union host a range of events throughout the year and try to cater to all tastes. Many students go along to events to meet new friends, so why not give it a try?

Societies

Get involved in a society! It’s a great way to meet like-minded people who share your interests, learn new skills and most importantly, have fun!

Connect with others in the community

Meetup

Meetup is a great way to meet other people in your local area. Browse groups by interest (like health and wellness, film, technology) or search for groups near you. Millions of people use Meetup and there should always be likeminded people nearby.

Time outdoors

Time outdoors provides a list of activity clubs in your local area, such as walking, running, climbing and cycling groups.

FriendMatch

FriendMatch works like a dating site, but matches people up with new friends rather than dates. Meet new friends near you, or connect with others around the world.

Do It

Volunteering is another good way to meet other people. Search opportunities near you using Do It, the national database of volunteering.

Find support in the community

Befriending

Sign up for an informal weekly phone chat with Changes Bristol Befriending Service. Befrienders are trained volunteers who are happy to listen to you speak about how you’re feeling, what challenges you’re facing and how you’re coping.

Student Space

Student Space offer free, confidential, one-to-one support by text, webchat, phone and email. They’re there to help with whatever challenge your facing whether it’s loneliness, mental health, studies, money, relationships or isolation.

Mind’s online community

It’s a powerful thing to connect with someone else over shared experiences. Side by Side is an online community where you can listen, share and be heard.

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