Tag: Support services

Preparing for your healthcare placement

Author Student Communications | Posted on

by Student Communications

If you’re studying on one of our many healthcare courses, placements are likely to be a huge part of your uni experience. Working on the wards and in the community will be hugely rewarding (after all, it’s why you’ve chosen this path) but undoubtedly challenging, so we want to make sure you’re as prepared as you possibly can be in the weeks before you start.

Location, location, location

Our practice partners are all over the South West, so find out where your placement is and plan your journey accordingly – do a trial run if possible! Even better if you’re able to have a look around and introduce yourself to some of the staff before you start (we recommend you do this by email as soon as you are allocated your placement). Make sure you factor in time for possible traffic or delays, especially on your first day – no one wants to be that person who turns up late to the ward.

Dress to impress

We’re looking forward to seeing your first day selfies! Make sure you’ve got enough uniform to keep you looking (and feeling) fresh all week. You’ll get your first set free of charge, and can order extras directly from Alexandra Workwear (please email Infopoint who can send you the details) – or, stock up on second hand from the SU’s uniform swap shop, open every Wednesday. Depending what your placement is, you might be on your feet a lot, so wear comfy shoes!

Please remember: when you wear the uniform, you’re representing UWE Bristol to the world. Always keep things professional – that means never taking photos with patients, and be careful with who or what is in the background of anything you share.

Do your homework

As the saying goes! The Professional Practice Office (PPO) will share general information in lectures, and your programme teams will provide more specific guidance related to your field of practice. There’ll be a lot to take in and no one expects you to memorise things on first glance, but do read as much as you can and keep all useful materials organised so you can easily refer back to them. Research the area you are going into, for example the type of ward you’ll be on, so you know what kind of equipment and situations you might be working with.

You might be using PebblePad to keep record of competencies you’ve had signed off (your programme team will confirm) – if so, read up on our support guides here – and bookmark the page to refer back to in future!

Weekly PAL sessions are a great opportunity to speak to students who have been through what you’re about to. They’ll be able to share their own personal experiences, words of wisdom and reassurance that you really have got this. Glenside’s Student Experience Coach is on hand for this too – you can make an appointment to have a chat with Emma via this email address.

Take it all in / be proactive

Your placement is your opportunity to get real hands-on experience and learn as much as possible in the time available. Introduce yourself to all staff you meet; everyone’s role is important to the smooth running of the practice, and you can learn something from them all. Ask questions, observe and keep good notes – though it might not feel like it, time will fly and the more detail you can remember from each day the better.

Be clear on boundaries

Say yes to new learning opportunities, but remember your supernumerary status (meaning: you cannot be counted as part of the workforce when you’re learning on placement in a clinical setting) and be confident to say no if you need to; don’t do anything above your position or that you’ve not been properly trained to do. If you have been trained on a particular procedure, make sure you’re supervised the first few times you do it.

We’re here for you

Your placement might take you miles away from campus, but UWE Bristol’s support services are still here for you. Wellbeing support is always available, as is our serious concerns line, 24/7 crisis textline (85258) and Practice Support Line (0117 32 81152).

If you see or hear something on placement that isn’t right, you should follow your practice’s procedures to report it. We want to know about it too, so use Report and Support to tell us what’s happened – if you include contact details we can follow up, or anonymous reports can help us build a picture of what’s going on in our wider community. You’ve heard “pics or it didn’t happen” – similarly, if it’s not reported, we won’t know how we can support you. Help us help you!

Stay connected

On that note – stay in touch! You’ll still be getting ’10 things you need to know this week’ from us, and academic staff will be sharing updates where relevant so check your UWE emails periodically.

Please also know that your Programme Team is here and available to support you throughout your placement, so don’t hesitate to reach out to them directly.

And finally, …enjoy it!

Winter Wellbeing: Simple Ways to Beat the January Blues

Author Student Communications | Posted on

By Aaliyah Hussain, Senior Student Experience Coach

January can feel like the hardest time of the year for many. Even though the shortest days of the Winter are behind us (yes, the days are officially getting longer!), mornings are still dark and cold, and motivation can be hard to find. If you’re struggling to stay on top of assignments or missing the sunshine from home, you’re not alone. Winter can be tough, especially for international students from sunnier climes, and even for those accustomed to the great British weather, January can be a drag.

But don’t worry—there are small, practical steps you can take to boost your wellbeing and stay on track through these darker months. Let’s explore five tips to help you feel brighter, even when the sun isn’t shining.

1. Get Outside Every Morning

Daylight is your best friend in winter. Exposure to natural light first thing in the morning helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle and boosts serotonin levels, improving your mood and focus.

Why it matters: Your body clock, or circadian rhythm, relies on light to stay in sync. Without it, you might feel sluggish or out of sorts.

What to do: Spend 20 minutes outside in the morning—whether it’s a walk to campus, a coffee in the fresh air, or just standing by a window. Even cloudy days in the UK provide enough light to make a difference.

2. Take Vitamin D

Vitamin D, often called the ‘sunshine vitamin’, is essential for energy, mood, and overall health. But during winter, it’s hard to get enough through sunlight alone, especially for people with darker skin.

Why it matters: Low Vitamin D levels are linked to fatigue, low mood, and even difficulty concentrating—all things you don’t need when juggling assignments.

What to do: A daily Vitamin D supplement can help fill the gap. It’s a simple addition to your routine that can make a big difference.

3. Stay Active

When it’s cold and dark, curling up in bed all day might feel tempting, but movement is key to feeling better. Exercise doesn’t just keep you physically healthy—it boosts endorphins and helps clear your mind.

Why it matters: Staying active can reduce feelings of stress and help you concentrate better, giving you the energy to tackle your to-do list.

What to do:

  • Take a brisk walk around your campus or a nearby park. Here in Bristol, we are blessed with so many great open spaces to choose from, such as Ashton Court right next to Bower Ashton, and Stoke Park Estate which is a stone’s throw from Frenchay and Glenside. And if you’re at Arnolfini, you have the lovely harbourside to take a scenic stroll.
  • Try a free YouTube workout or yoga session at home.
  • Take advantage of your free MOVE membership. As a UWE student you have free access to a huge variety of classes and sessions every week to help you be active and feel good.

4. Create a Winter-Friendly Routine

Winter days feel short, but having a routine can help you feel more grounded and in control. Small habits can add structure and make those darker hours feel more manageable.

Why it matters: Building simple rituals into your day can help reduce stress and keep you motivated, even when energy is low.

What to do:

  • Plan your day the evening before, focusing on one or two key tasks.
  • Schedule time for breaks and things you enjoy, like reading, cooking, or calling a friend.
  • Wind down with a calming bedtime routine to improve your sleep quality (it’s not just for babies, it really works!)

5. Stay Connected

It’s easy to isolate yourself in winter, but staying connected with others is vital for your wellbeing. Sharing how you’re feeling or simply spending time with friends can lift your spirits.

Why it matters: Social connections help combat feelings of loneliness and give you a much-needed sense of community.

What to do:

  • Meet up with friends for a study session or a meal.
  • Join a UWE society or group to meet new people.
  • Attend an event on campus—there’s loads happening in January!

How Your Student Experience Coaches Can Help

If you’re finding it hard to get motivated, we are there to listen to how you feel, help you identify your challenges, set realistic goals and create a plan for your success and wellbeing.

Book a one-to-one appointment:

  • Head to the appointments section on Infohub, select ‘Student Experience Coaching Appointment’, and choose a time that works for you. You can see us face-to-face at any campus or online (Teams).
  • Alternatively, you can chat to us at a Drop-In session (see here for timings and locations).

Tips for managing your studies over the holidays

Author Student Communications | Posted on

If you’re heading home from the holidays, then you might need to build a new routine to allow you to take the time to rest and recharge, while still keeping on top of any studying you need to do.

Finding that balance can be really tricky, especially if you are someone who finds it difficult to self-motivate and make the most of scheduled study time so you can properly switch off and relax once the work is done.

Our Student Experience Coaches have been working with lots of student during this first semester, helping them unlock the skills they need to overcome any obstacles and manage their wellbeing.

Here they share some tools, tips and techniques that you might be able to use over the holidays to ensure you return in January feeling ready for the new term.

  • Action plan – creating an action plan can help you feel more control of your time and avoid overwhelm. If you break down tasks and create smaller deadlines, it could help make things feel more manageable.
  • Lists – writing things down can provide structure. Some people enjoy the “feel good” factor of ticking off tasks and reflecting on what they’ve achieved.
  • Rewards – building rewards into your timetable/planner can give you something to look forward too and provide a break from studying and university life.
  • Journaling – expressing your thoughts and feelings in one space is a helpful way to explore ideas.
  • Exercise – doing something that requires movement, even something simple like going out for a walk and being out in nature, can be a great way to manage your wellbeing.
  • Rest – planning in time to rest and recharge is important to enable you to return to studies fully focused and energetic.
  • Self-care – remember to prioritise your self-care. Identify activities that you find genuinely nourishing and relaxing.
  • Support – find the right support to help you at university, with your student life and studies. This could be specialist support, or just turning to your lecturer or your friends and family.
  • Be kind to yourself – Finally, remember to be nice to yourself. Acknowledge everything you’ve got going on and the progress you are making to manage your workload and wellbeing while at university.

The service will be closed from 24th December – 2nd January and drop-ins will not be available from 23rd December – 3rd January.

But if you would like to set some goals to manage your wellbeing and stress whilst at university, please get in touch with our Student Experience Coaches after the winter break to book an appointment. They can help you break down challenging tasks and create an action plan so you can stay on track.

Welcome to Wobble Week

Author Student Communications | Posted on

We know the start of university, or a new academic year, whilst exciting, can also feel a little overwhelming.  

If you’re feeling a little flat after the rush of Welcome and Freshers, and feeling a little uncertain about things, we’re here to let you know that this is completely normal. And it’s not just newbies who feel this way – everyone can feel a bit “What the hell am I doing?”, even if they’re familiar with uni life, campus… the lot!  

First year students – you might be missing home comforts or finding it difficult to adjust to a different kind of learning environment. Second years – you might be thinking “Woah, this year feels waaaay more serious than last year!” And for our international students, you may be feeling the impact of living in a new country. 

We refer to this time as ‘Wobble Week’ – a time when all students can feel a little unbalanced. Wobble Week runs from 4 November, and during this week there are lots of events and activities to help you feel more connected to our community. 

To help you feel less, well, wobbly, we can help you with everything from a chat about your mental health, signposting to support services, study support, and much more! 

However you’re feeling – it’s OK. We are here to support you. 

How to get Involved

Participate in Events: Join the various workshops and social events planned throughout Wobble Week. These activities are designed to equip you with skills and strategies to manage your time at University, or simply meet new people. 

Access Support Services: Explore the different support services available to you. From mental health and academic resources to student organisations, there are many ways to get the support you need. 

Connect with Others: Engage with fellow students, share your experiences, and support each other through the ups and downs of university life. Building a network of supportive peers can make a significant difference in your overall well-being.

Meet Becky, your Specialist Drugs and Alcohol Practitioner

Author Student Communications | Posted on

by Becky Risley

Who am I?

I’m Becky Risley your Specialist Drugs and Alcohol Practitioner.

What do I do?

I offer advice, information and support to students at any stage of their journey with substance use.

I also work closely with the Students’ Union to deliver drug and alcohol events and activities throughout the year. This is a great way for me to ensure you know all the facts about drugs and alcohol, allowing you to make informed decisions about your substance use.

You’ll also see me at the Welcome Fair’s at the start of term so come over, say hello and ask me any questions you might have!

How can I help?

I can offer three different support options including:

  1. A one-off educational session around the substances you (or someone else) are using and discuss ways to reduce the harm.
  2. Six sessions of motivational interviewing to support you to make changes to your substance use, which could include reducing, taking a break or stopping.
  3. I can also offer relapse prevention support if you decide you no longer want to engage in substance use at all. During these sessions we would look at making plans and setting goals to support your decision.

Want to know more?

Take a look at our drugs and alcohol webpage to find out more about the support I offer and helpful resources.

How’s your relationship with alcohol?

Author Student Communications | Posted on

by Becky Risley

We all know that alcohol can form a big part of the university experience and that drinking too much, can have a negative affect on our mood, energy and resilience.

Research conducted by SOS-UK showed 38% of students said they had missed a lectures or seminar due to their drinking and 32% of students said they had argued with friends or strangers whilst under the influence of alcohol.

So, it’s not surprising if you struggle to focus in lectures, feel more tired or irritable following a night out.

That’s why this academic year we have partnered with SOS-UK, to be part of their Drink Rethink programme, supported by NUS and Drinkaware. As part of this we’re encouraging you to use Drinkaware’s handy Check Your Drinking tool. It takes 3 minutes to complete and at the end you’ll receive personalised feedback and insight on your alcohol consumption.

Completing the survey will not only help you understand your relationship with alcohol, but it’ll feed into national data around student alcohol use, which will help us understand how better to support you.

If you want to talk about your alcohol consumption, or want to make a change, contact me to discuss how I can support you.

How to build the ultimate university experience

Author Student Communications | Posted on

Where to start? Well, a good place would be to ask what is the ultimate university experience? Put reaaaaally simply, being at university is a unique experience because there are so many opportunities right at your fingertips.

You probably won’t be in a position again where it’s so easy try a new sport, instrument or hobby and be planning to study abroad whilst also speaking to a careers advisor about an summer internship.

That might sound overwhelming, and you absolutely don’t need to be doing all of these things at once, but if you want to it’s all out there waiting for you!

The ultimate university experience will be unique to you, but is available to everyone, it just takes patience, commitment and a bit of a can-do attitude.

So, we’re here to share tips on how to manage your “build”, starting with the tools and parts you’ll need to get started!

Forget hammers, screwdrivers and tape measures – what you’ll need first, is to make sure you’re fully registered and have access to Blackboard, MYUWE, Outlook and the UWE app. These will allow you to actively engage in university life and more importantly your course.

Taking an active role in your course will really underpin the rest of your time at university. So, prepare for timetable sessions, turn up to lectures and engage with feedback and discussions with your coursemates and tutors. And it goes without saying – complete your assignments!

If anything is holding you back from doing these things make sure you ask for help. There is so much support out there, from study specific guidance and workshops, to support with your mental health.

Once you feel you have your course under control, you’ll then have some time and headspace to think about the other activities which will contribute to your ultimate university experience.

We’ve listed some ideas here but really university is about getting out there and doing it yourself. So, go and find out what’s going on and try new things!

  • Joining a club or society is a great way to meet new people and try new things. And at the start of term there’s so many taster sessions taking place with can give you an insight into what to expect before fully committing. You can also reach out to societies and clubs on social media if you want to find out more.
  • If you’re interested in international travel there are so many different opportunities available to you – including overseas study and volunteering – so make sure you check out our global experiences and get in touch with the team if you have any questions.
  • Already thinking about life after uni? Then make the most of our Careers Service! They organise events, run workshops and you can book 1-2-1 appointments for more support. They also have a brilliant Career Toolkit full of useful resources to help you with your career plans. Why not sign up for one of their events or workshops?
  • You could also boost your employability by considering an internship or placement. Not only does it help you develop your skills and experience, but it’s a fab way to learn more about different workplaces and the direction you want to take your future career.
  • Why not think about giving something back to the community? Volunteering is the perfect way to make the most of your talents, meet new people, and gain new experiences.
  • If your build is going well and you have some thoughts about how the student experience could be improved, why not become a student rep or joining the Student Consultation Panel? Your work can make a real difference for both current and future students.

We could go on and on about all the opportunities available to help build your ultimate university experience, but as we’ve said -this is all about you taking your experience into your own hands and finding out for yourself what the ultimate university experience means to you.

For most people, university life only lasts three or four years, so get out there and do everything you can to really make the most of your time here.

How to build the ultimate university experience guideDownload

Using music to improve your student experience

Author Student Communications | Posted on

Did you know we have a team of Student Experience Coaches here at uni to support you?

They’re available to help you with a whole range of issues that you might be experiencing, including time and workload management, dealing with stress or anxiety, helping you set and achieve your goals and learning how to juggle home and university life.

There are coaches based within each of our schools, and Paul Mahon is the coach working within the School of Computing and Creative Technologies.

He hosts drop-in sessions at Frenchay Library (Level 2) Monday to Friday, 11:00 to 14:00. Alternatively, email at experiencecoach@uwe.ac.uk

He’s keen to help you draw on your hobbies and interests to help improve your university experience, and has written the below blog post about how he believes music can be a fantastic tool for learning and development.

Paul says: “Here at UWE we see the integration of music into coaching practices as a unique and useful approach to supporting you on your educational journey. Music, with its profound ability to evoke emotions, stimulate creativity, and enhance focus, serves as a valuable ally in the realm of student experience coaching.”

  • Setting the tone for success – Music possesses the remarkable ability to set the tone and atmosphere of a coaching session. By carefully selecting appropriate music, I can create an environment which helps encourage introspection, relaxation, or motivation, depending on what we’re trying to achieve.
  • Facilitating emotional expression and exploration – My work as a coach often involves delving into emotions, aspirations, and obstacles. Here, music serves as a powerful medium for emotional expression and exploration. Certain songs or genres resonate with people on a deeply personal level, allowing them to articulate their feelings and experiences more freely. Through guided listening exercises, I can encourage you to explore your emotions, gain insight into your thought patterns, and develop strategies for emotional regulation and resilience.
  • Boosting creativity and problem-solving – Creativity lies at the heart of both music and effective coaching. Incorporating music into my sessions can stimulate divergent thinking, spark imagination, and inspire innovative solutions to academic and personal challenges. Encouraging you to create a playlist that reflects your goals, aspirations, and moods can foster a sense of ownership and creativity. Additionally, collaborative music-making activities at the Centre for Music, such as singing, jamming, songwriting and improvisation, can cultivate teamwork, communication skills, and adaptability – essential qualities for success in the academic and professional spheres.
  • Enhancing focus and productivity – In an era marked by constant distractions and information overload, maintaining focus and productivity is a common challenge for many of you. Music, particularly instrumental tracks or ambient sounds, can act as a powerful tool for enhancing concentration and cognitive performance. Whether used as background music during study sessions or as a means of transitioning into a state of deep focus, carefully curated playlists can help overcome procrastination, reduce stress, and optimize your learning environment.
  • Fostering connection and community – Music has the innate ability to bring people together and foster a sense of belonging and connection. Joining music-related activities gives you the chance to connect with others, share interests, and build a supportive community.

All students are able to access support from their Student Experience Coach. They offer face-to-face or virtual appointments via MS Teams, so find out more and book your place.

The Spiking Epidemic

Author Student Communications | Posted on

by BA(Hons) English Literature with Writing student.

I was eight when I first experienced a form of sexual assault.

Eight.

I was fourteen when I experienced my next form of assault. I was walking back home with a group of similarly aged friends when a man stopped us on the street in broad daylight and took out his penis in front of us.

Fourteen.

Since then I have experienced countless amounts of catcalls, gross comments and awkward touches. Most of them have been in broad daylight with groups of people around. None of them would say anything, even fewer would blink an eye.

Approximately one in five young women and girls will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime, while one in twenty men will be abused once in their life. Yet our judicial system, one who claims to stand and support survivors of assault, is failing us. Only one in one hundred cases in 2021 were recorded by police, with most cases tucked away to be forgotten about (Rapecrisis.org).

This topic, one so taboo, is also a growing epidemic. British drinking and clubbing culture has led to an increase in spiking cases, so how can we stop this from escalating further?  

Some ways that you can prevent spiking in the case of you or your friends include:

  1. Always buy your own drink and watch it get poured
  2. Never leave your drink unattended or in the presence of strangers 
  3. Go to clubs with groups of friends or people that you trust
  4. Make sure to go to places in pairs, never leave to places alone or with people you don’t know
  5. Cover your drinks! 

Following these tips can help in preventing instances of spiking but, if you do believe you or a friend has been spiked, go to a trusted friend or family member that can take you to safety and call 999 to report it as soon as possible.

Rapecrisis.org also offer a support helpline, available Monday – Thursday: 13:00 – 17:00, 18:00 – 21:00 and Friday: 14:00 – 17:00. Call 0808 802 9999 or chat to them online.

Sources:

“Statistics about Sexual Violence and Abuse.” Rape Crisis England & Wales, rapecrisis.org.uk/get-informed/statistics-sexual-violence/.

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