Activate Learning Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Week 2025

Mental Health Awareness Week is organised by the Mental Health Foundation, with the aim to end the stigma surrounding mental health and spread awareness to the community.

This year’s theme is community, celebrating the power and importance that community has on our wellbeing.

Why is community important for mental health?

Being part of a positive community is good for mental health and wellbeing.

It increases connection, promotes the feeling of belonging and reduces isolation and loneliness.

Community takes many forms, it could be your neighbourhood or street, your college, your course group, your friendship group or a club or team that you’re part of.

On-campus support

If you or one of your mates is struggling with their mental health, you can pop into Student Support and have a chat, talk to a mental health first aider or speak to your teacher.

Introducing our ALO Student Support Hub

Following on from student feedback and in line with the aims of our Mental Health Strategy, we have worked to reenergise our ALO Student Support Hub.

This is now a one-stop shop for all things student support. The intention is for this to make content around support more accessible for students.

If you would like to familiarise yourself with the aims of the Mental Health Strategy – please check out this informative video.

Things you can do to help your mental health

Activate Learning is committed to supporting our students’ mental health and well-being. That’s why we’ve put together a range of resources and information to help you manage your mental health and find the support you need.

Top tips on looking after your own well being during exam season – find some really good tips and tricks here to help you through exams

Where to get more help

• Mind – Mind is a mental health charity that provides advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem. 
• Anxiety UK – Anxiety UK is a charity that supports those living with anxiety and anxiety-based depression. 
• YoungMinds – YoungMinds is a charity that works to improve the mental health of young people in the UK. 
• NHS Every Mind Matters  – a great resource with lots of advice, tips and support for dealing with anxiety and anxious feelings
• Samaritans –  offer listening and support to people and communities in times of need.
• Campaign Against Living Miserably  – standing together to show life is always worth living.
• The Mix – The Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young people.  Here to help on any challenge – from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs.
• Shout – Shout is the UK’s first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.

What we’re doing during Mental Health Awareness Week 2025

From on-campus activities, talk and workshops – there’s lots to explore and discover throughout the week.

Online resources for students

Peerscroller have helped developed an exciting range of video resources for our students.

These bite-sized, engaging resources, explore this year’s theme of community and help develop an understanding and awareness of mental health.

Thank you, MindGreen!

We would like to thank MindGreen, our charitable mental health initiative, for generously making a donation to support many of these events, including:

• Care Home community event in Reading.
• Wellbeing Fair at Banbury and Bicester College, Oxford city-centre campus of City of Oxford College and University Centre, and the Technology Campus in Blackbird Leys.
• Wellbeing through art sessions for 150 staff and students across Banbury and Bicester College, Oxford city-centre campus of City of Oxford College and University Centre, and the Technology Campus in Blackbird Leys.
• All plants and equipment for a week-long gardening project in Farnham College, run by Georgiana Dugan, Student Experience Team Leader
• Various other events in our Surrey campuses.

We would like to thank the MindGreen committee for their generous support, and everyone who has helped raise funds or donated generously throughout the year. We couldn’t have done this without you!

What’s happening at your campus?

Banbury and Bicester College

• Tuesday 13 May: Wellbeing Fair, 10am-12.30pm, in The Quad area (weather permitting), if not we will be in the hall.
  • Meet representatives from community charities and wellbeing-focused organisations, including: the Samaritans, His Mins (men’s mental health), Nais House and Townhouse Wellbeing Clinic. Join us to learn more about the services they offer.
• Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 May:  Digital for Wellbeing, 10am-2pm in the Learning Environment. Drop-in, no booking needed. Join us for the following activities:
  • VR for wellbeing: Join us in the Learning Environment for VR Pottery Making and VR Meditation to aid relaxation and support wellbeing before exams.
  • Art iPads: Got an artistic eye? Then come and relax using our Digital Art stations, where you can use Procreate and get lost in a creative world of your own.

Bracknell and Wokingham College

• Monday 12 May: Wellbeing Fair, 12-2pm in Recharge. Meet representatives from community charities and wellbeing-focused organisations (Sport in Mind, Youthline, Samaritans and CAMHS) and learn more about the services they offer.
• Tuesday 13 May: Wellbeing Walk, 12.30-1.30pm, boost your wellbeing with a walk around Elms Park.
• Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 May: Digital for Wellbeing, from 10am-2pm, in the Learning Environment. Drop-in, no booking needed. Join us for the following activities:
  • VR for Wellbeing: Join us in the Learning Environment for VR Pottery Making and VR Meditation to aid relaxation and support wellbeing before exams.
    Immersive rooms: Enjoy calming, meditative experiences. Available at 10.30am, 11am, 11.30am, 1 and 1.30pm.
  • Art iPads: Got an artistic eye? Then come and relax using our Digital Art stations, where you can use Procreate and get lost in a creative world of your own.
• Thursday 15 May: Wellbeing Stand, 12.30-1.30pm, in Recharge. Come along and learn more about our positive postbox and burden bin, and a range of stress management tips.
• Friday 16 May: Meet Bruno, therapy dog from Pets as Therapy from 1.30-3pm in G04.
• Fun activities: Because fun is good for your wellbeing! Come and play swing ball outside Reception or Connect 4 in Recharge.
• Thursday 22 May: Mental Health Workshop, 10-11am, room 315. Join Shaffrina from ARC Youth Access.
• Monday 2 June: Berkshire Birds of Prey, times tbc.

City of Oxford College and University Centre city-centre campus

• Monday 12 May: Wellbeing through art, from 10am-12pm in HCOM. Join artist Emily Cooling.
• Monday 12 May: Wellbeing Fair, 10.30am-1.30pm, in Recharge.
  • Meet representatives from community charities and wellbeing-focused organisations (Stop for life, Cranston, Terrance Higgins Trust and Leys Youth Hub) and learn more about the services they offer.
• Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 May: T-shirt signing, 10.30am-1.30pm, Recharge.
• Bring a t-shirt to be signed by friends, classmates and staff!
• Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 May: Music performance, 10am-2pm, Recharge. Join us for a performance by Music students.
• Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 May: Digital for wellbeing, 10am-2pm, Learning Environment. Drop-in, no booking needed. Join us for the following activities:
  • VR for wellbeing: Join us in the Learning Environment for VR Pottery Making and VR Meditation to aid relaxation and support wellbeing before exams.
  • Art iPads: Got an artistic eye? Then come and relax using our Digital Art stations, where you can use Procreate and get lost in a creative world of your own.

Technology Campus in Blackbird Leys

• Tuesday 13 May: Mental support in the community (talk by Ambulance Services), 10.30am-12.30pm, in the Reception area.
• Tuesday 13 May: T-shirt signing, 12-12.30pm, outside Scott building. Bring a shirt to be signed by friends, classmates and staff!
• Friday 16 May: Wellbeing through art, 10am-12pm, Carpentry workshop. Join artist Emily Cooling.

Farnham College

• Monday 12 May: Breakfast boost, 8.30-10am, Reception area. Free tea, coffee, breakfast bars and fruit.
• Monday 12 May: Local charities visiting to spread mental health awareness, 12-1.30pm, Reception area.
  • Learn from charities such as Samaritans, NHS, Surrey Police.
• Monday 12-Friday 16 May: Student Garden Project, 12-12.30pm.
• Tuesday 13 May: Anytime Fitness Farnham workout sessions, from 11.30am-1.30pm.
  • Gain access to workout sessions and the gym over lunchtime.
• Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 May: VR for Wellbeing, from 10am-2pm, Learning Environment:
  • Join us for VR Pottery Making and VR Meditation to aid relaxation and support wellbeing before exams. Drop ins during above slots.
• Wednesday 14 May: Loom band and bracelet making,11am-2pm, Learning Environment.
• Wednesday 14 May: Mindfulness yoga session, 12-12.30pm.
• All week: Wellbeing handouts and mindful colouring.

Guildford College

• Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 May: VR for Wellbeing, from 10am-2pm, Learning Environment:
  • Join us for VR Pottery Making and VR Meditation to aid relaxation and support wellbeing before exams. Drop ins during above slots.
  • Immersive Rooms: Join us to enjoy calming meditative experiences. Timings: 10.30am, 11am,11.30am, 1pm and 1pm.
• Thursday 15 May: Wellbeing Fair, 11.30am-1.30pm, Students’ Union area.
  • Meet representatives from community charities and wellbeing-focused organisations (Samaritans, Catch 22 and the NHS) and learn more about the services they offer.
• Thursday 15 May: Juice and Chat, 11.30am-1pm, in the Students’ Union.
• Thursday 15 May: Games and interactive questions, from 11.30am-1.30pm, in the Students’ Union area.
  • Join us and play swing ball, Connect 4, Jenga and more!

Merrist Wood College

• Monday 12-Wednesday 14 May: Morning Boost, 10-11am, Harris Centre.
• Monday 12 May: Water fight, cake sale and games, from 11.30am-1.30pm, outside the Harris Centre.
  • Throw water balloons at targets and sponges at staff in stocks!
• Monday 12 and Thursday 15 May: MSAS, 11.30am-1.30pm, Harris Centre.
  • Nathan from Men’s Sexual Assault Support will be hosting a stand.
• Monday 12 May: Pets as Therapy Dogs, meet some adorable dogs outside the Harris Centre.
• Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 May: VR for Wellbeing, from 10am-2pm, Learning Environment.
  • Join us for VR Pottery Making and VR Meditation to aid relaxation and support wellbeing before exams. Drop ins during above slots.
• Wednesday 14 May: Samaritans, 11.30am-1.30pm, Harris Centre.
  • Meet volunteers from the charity the Samaritans and learn about their services.

Reading College

• Monday 12 May: Wellbeing Fair,from 11.30am-1.30pm in the main foyer.
  • Meet representatives from community charities and wellbeing-focused organisations (Buzz Gym, Matter of Health neurodiversity, SupportU LGBT group and Rethink Mental Illness) and learn more about the services they offer.
• Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 May: VR for Wellbeing, from 10am-2pm, Learning Environment.
  • Join us for VR Pottery Making and VR Meditation to aid relaxation and support wellbeing before exams. Drop ins during above slots.
  • Art iPads: Got an artistic eye? Then come and relax using our Digital Art stations, where you can use Procreate and get lost in a creative world of your own.
  • Immersive Rooms: Join us to enjoy calming meditative experiences. Timings: 10.30am, 11am,11.30am, 1pm and 1pm.
• Friday 16 May: Fun Day, 12-1pm, we will be running an open mic session and other fun outdoor activities, weather permitting.