Feel Good, not just in February!
Next month is ‘Feel Good February’ at the University of Liverpool, with a series of free activities available to students and staff, centred around the six ways to wellbeing: Connect, Be active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, Give, Be Sustainable, with events aligned to each of these themes.
When it comes to helping you feel good all year round, the School’s Student Welfare and Support for Studies Team, is here to offer dedicated support to Liverpool student doctors in recognition of the unique student experience that goes with the MBChB programme. This is in addition to the wide range of University services and resources, available to all University of Liverpool students.
The new Student Welfare and Support for Studies service, more colloquially known as the Wellbeing Team, was launched in March 2019 and has since worked alongside students – and through a global pandemic! – to support them in managing their mental health and wellbeing.
(L-R) Jayne Garner and Laura Rooke have recently joined the team
The team prides itself on providing an informal support service, with no topic being too big or too small to talk through. Whether it’s to do with approaching studies, handling relationships, or something students are dealing with personally, it’s all about opening up and gaining insights and perspectives as to what is going on.
Student feedback backs this up, with student doctors commenting on the benefits of talking to someone objective and removed from their personal situation.
Having someone who doesn’t know me speak about the way I approach things was quite insightful.
Students also appreciate the complete lack of any hierarchy, “It didn't feel like speaking to a superior. It was a person-to-person conversation, which made me feel more relaxed.”
Conversation topics can range from healthy sleeping, eating and exercise habits, revision strategies, work-life balance, to favourite TV series to turn to when in need of a lift.
Talking things out
Student doctors can contact the team by phone or over email and can book an appointment using the School Booking system (link). There’s no commitment or expectation in terms of signing up for a series of appointments. Students can opt for just the one chat or book in regular catch ups, selecting the same advisor in the booking system if they wish.
Often, we have something we could do with talking through but don’t want to be a burden to our family or friends, or wouldn't like our peers to know we are struggling or going through a bit of a tough time.
"What we provide is simply a safe space, free of judgement, where students can get something off their chest in complete confidence, explains Academic Advisor Laura Rooke.
Laura has recently joined the team and will be specialising in safeguarding and risk. She has already worked closely with the School through her previous role as Wellbeing Advisor in the University of Liverpool Wellbeing Services department, after holding different positions in risk at Clatterbridge Hospital.
Liaising with the School was something I was really enjoying in my previous role, and I am delighted to become a part of the team and have even more opportunities to work with and support student doctors.
Based on student feedback, wellbeing appointments are available extended hours from 8.30 until 19.00 Monday to Thursday, making it easier for student doctors to work these around placement and teaching commitments.
“Students can choose the slot that best suits them on the booking system but if you’re struggling to find one that works around your timetable, do drop us an email. We are happy to shift things around to accommodate you”, says Laura.
Wellbeing Academic and Academic Advisor Laura Rooke
Meet Laura
- Name: Laura Rooke
- Role within the team: Wellbeing Academic and Academic Advisor.
- Focus area: Having worked in mental health for many years, and student support for the last three years, I will provide general support appointments and specialise in supporting students with ongoing mental health issues and be involved with provision for safeguarding support and risk.
- Most rewarding part of my job: Seeing a student progress from being impacted by life’s stresses and strains to doing better, feeling better and no longer needing as much support.
- Go-to feel-good film: Wacky comedies like Dodgeball, Just Go With It and Hot Fuzz.
- Most likely to spend Sunday afternoons: Walking my dog Bingo or going for a run.
- My wellbeing tip: Each morning before you get out of bed, try and think of five things that you are grateful for - it can really help to view the day ahead in more positive terms and get your day off to a good start.
Taking control of your wellbeing
Uptake of School wellbeing services is happily on the increase and the team are keen for this to continue, always looking for ways to expand their offering to best support the School community. 1867 wellbeing appointments were delivered last academic year, compared to 769 in 2019-20 and a projected figure of 2760 appointments will be completed by the end of this academic year.
Academic Advisor Jayne Garner also recently joined the team from a similar role at Edge Hill medical school. She too already has a connection to the School, after previously being a part of the Quality team. Jayne will primarily be focusing on study skills and supporting students in implementing approaches to their studies that work best for them.
Jayne explains, “We talk through things like motivation versus procrastination and brainstorm strategies to best manage your time, such as the little and often approach, to land on the right fit.”
Wellbeing Academic Jayne Garner enjoys a walk on the beach with family
Meet Jayne
- Name: Jayne Garner
- Role within the team: Wellbeing Academic
- Focus area: Study Skills
- Most rewarding part of my job: Seeing students achieve their potential, especially when they have faced challenges along the way. Knowing that the Wellbeing Service can make a difference is very rewarding!
- Go-to feel-good film/TV series: Period dramas are my weakness.
- Most likely to spend Sunday afternoons: With family and friends, I’m always up for a beach walk.
- My wellbeing tip: Make time for something you enjoy every day, even ten minutes can make a real difference. I make time to do yoga – sometimes ten minutes, sometimes an hour – there are some great free classes available on the Yoga Collective app (link).
Students have been sharing how Jayne and other team members help make them feel comfortable by being friendly and welcoming, “The advisor sounded very caring and was a good listener.” "The wellbeing advisor that I spoke to was extremely helpful and kind, I felt so much better after talking to her.”
The team can point students in the direction of other services or resources, and connect with others where appropriate, and always with their permission, to provide further support.
I now know where to go if I need any help or have any questions.
“The advisor was extremely supportive and reassuring. She contacted my placement site to inform them of the difficulties I was facing so further support could be offered in person.”
The power of presence
In its second year at the School, the Soothe Your Mind course kicked off with a new round of sessions on 24th January, providing student doctors with a weekly space and online slot to slow down and be present with Mindfulness Coach Pip Bellis leading a range of mindfulness techniques.
Pip says, "At the start of the New Year it can be tempting to leap into the future with plans about what we want to achieve."
While it's useful to plan, we often end up locked in worries and preoccupations that take us away from the present moment.
"In these sessions we explore our direct experience in the moment and practise slowing down and soothing the nervous system through a variety of body-based practices."
The course has proven popular, with students commenting on how it has helped them recognise when running low and knowing to take a moment to recharge, and develop ways to calm their mind and deal with stressful situations better.
Full of insight into mental health matters. I've retained some key messages which I realise have helped me transition into a more stable and calmer mindset.
During ‘Feel Good February’ and beyond, it is the team’s wish that more and more students will engage in conversations and practices that benefit their wellbeing, and simply put self-care and feeling good about themselves at the top of the list.
Director of MBChB Wellbeing Service Alison Threlfall says, “At the end of the day, asking for support now means you’re less likely to need support later, once the situation has potentially escalated. It's a positive step in managing your wellbeing and often it’s amazing the difference only one conversation can make.” Her biggest wellbeing tip?
Don’t support Everton FC!
Discover more
- Liverpool student doctors can access wellbeing support and resources on the wellbeing area of the student intranet (link).
- Book a wellbeing appointment via the School booking system (link) and email wellbeing.mbchb@liverpool.ac.uk with any questions, or to book a spot on the Soothe Your Mind virtual course.
- The University of Liverpool offers a wide range of student services, including many to support your mental wellbeing. Take a look at the dedicated web area (link) to learn more.
- Take a look at the activities available during Feel Good February in the student news article (link).