What is social prescribing at Bath?
Our social prescribing programme connects students to groups that help to improve their wellbeing, reduce social isolation, enjoy a new - or old - hobby and hopefully have fun. You can choose from our art, yoga, exercise and nature-based courses. Everything is free and no experience is needed.
Don’t worry if you are shy, feel socially awkward, or get nervous turning up to things alone. Our experienced facilitators are there to help create a safe, inclusive and welcoming space for all students and guide you through the activities.
How can social prescribing help?
Students say that attending our social prescribing courses have helped to:
- reduce feelings of stress and anxiety
- reduce feelings of loneliness
- improve overall mood and wellbeing
- increase their sense of community at the University
- meet new people and make friends
- enjoy creativity and seeing new places in Bath
- provide a regular break from studying and a moment of calm
Social prescribing also has several physical health benefits as well as lots of other individual benefits.
Explore Bath
Saturday afternoons, 2pm to 4pm, starting Saturday 21 February
Explore Bath is facilitated by Emma (she/her) who provides a safe, fun and calming environment for a small group of students (max of 10) to explore some of the best outdoor spots in Bath, including Bath City Farm, the American Museum Garden and Parade Gardens. Each Saturday you’ll get to know a different place, enjoy Bath’s beautiful views, feed the animals and enjoy a hot drink together (all for free).
Research, including our own student feedback, tells us that spending time connecting with nature and the outdoors are associated with positive outcomes for our mental health and overall mood, reducing stress and anxiety and providing a sense of community and belonging.
We know that loneliness, social anxiety, low mood and travel worries can make it hard to visit new places and turn up to things alone. Explore Bath aims to support you with this: most people turn up alone, we support with travel arrangements, it’s a small group, our friendly and experienced staff are there to help you feel more at ease.
We recommend joining us regularly to experience maximum benefits of this weekly social connection and getting outdoors. But if you can only make a few sessions that’s fine too.
'It was extremely nice having to do something on a Saturday. Emma was very nice and welcoming! The hot drinks at the end were great!'
Emma also runs a regular garden and garden crafts club on campus for anyone who prefers drop-in sessions.
Sign up here to register for this course.
Yoga for relaxation
Monday evenings, 5pm to 5:45pm, starting Monday 9 February
Join Emily (she/her) for six weeks of gentle yoga to calm your body and mind.
Emily leads a calming yoga class focussing on gentle movement, breathwork and a guided meditation. She provides a calming, non-judgemental environment, and has a particular interest in delivering neuroinclusive and fully accessible Yoga. This class is suitable for all levels and is fully accessible. (Please contact us if you have any questions about accessibility / mobility / fatigue so that we can help you feel confident to go).You don't have to wait to feel stressed out to join our yoga programme.
Yoga can have all kinds of physical and mental health benefits, from reduced stress and anxiety, to improved sleep and energy levels and an increase in mood, sense of calm and feelings of relaxation.
“Regardless of how rubbish things were feeling I always left yoga feeling better, clearer, and calmer”.
Sign up here to register for this course.
Art for wellbeing
Wednesday afternoons, 4:30 to 6:30pm, starting Wednesday 18 February
Art for Wellbeing is a six-week course for students who are interested in managing or improving their wellbeing through a variety of art-based media.
This course is facilitated by Bath-based artist Samantha Hickman (she/her) and involves making your own creative wellbeing journal using techniques such as collaging, stitching, painting and more. Samantha provides a warm and inviting environment to explore, reflect and share the creative process.
'It was such a nice space to just 'be'. It felt safe, free, productive. It really brought a sense of peace, community and learning.'
Sign up here to register for this course.
Community wellbeing groups
Badminton and Table Tennis Group, Tuesdays, 1:30 to 3pm
Bath Mind runs this weekly session at Bath Leisure centre. All equipment is provided, and no experience of either game is needed. For more information and to book a free introductory session visit Bath Mind, Badminton and Table Tennis.
If you are anxious about attending a new group or going on your own, Mind can arrange a time to have a conversation, meet you prior to attend together, and discuss how you would like to be introduced to other attendees. There is a cost of £3 per week. If this cost is difficult for you, please let them know.
Support with your mental health and wellbeing
If you want to talk to someone about anything related to your wellbeing the Student Support Advice Team is here to support you. They provide practical support and advice, and can help you access a range of services. Student Support Advice Team is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm at the Roper Centre in 4 West.