Psychology students start new wellbeing society: 'Student Body in Mind'

Psychology students start new wellbeing society: ‘Student Body in Mind’

Jasmine Norden & Henry Eaton

Sprawled out in a corner of the student living room are several board games, accompanied by a varying degree of nostalgia (whatever happened to Operation?), and enough snacks to interest passers-by. Everyone dotted around the tables seems relaxed, removed from the stress of work. They’re here for a lunchtime board games event, organised by the newest wellbeing society on campus ‘Student Body in Mind’ (often abbreviated to SBM).

Run by Psychology students, it aims to provide a community within which students can get together to chat and chill out through group activities, whilst feeling safe to discuss anything weighing on their minds. Sessions include activities like origami and stress ball making every Thursday 12-2 in the living room, as well as ‘Mindfulness Mondays’ in the SU, 1-3.

The SBM committee

Emma Pirozzi

We talked to founding committee members Tzea Goddard and Ella Mather to get a better idea of what SBM is all about. They hope that the open approach SBM has to mental health will encourage students to come and build a network who they can talk to if they need support. All the mentors present are wearing name badges to increase their approachability, interacting with ease with all those who have showed up to today’s session.

Our ethos is ‘by students, for students’

- Ella Mather, Committee Member

Ella and Tzea are most keen to tell us about SBM’s ‘Mindfulness Mondays’. These sessions give students the chance to engage in short meditation practices designed to destress. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to have a positive psychological impact,perhaps even reducing anxiety. And a bonus: the first session is completely free.

With the rise in reports of mental health problems at Bristol, societies like this are sorely needed. SBM’s open approach to wellbeing feels refreshing, and could help students build networks of support. Even a small increase in people to turn to in times of need could be vital.

Membership for the whole year is only £1, and they don’t even limit how many of the snacks you take advantage of. For more information, check out their Facebook or Instagram pages (@studentbodyinmind), or just show up to one of their sessions - they’re very keen to meet you.

Marita Kimo

Mental health services

Student health service 01173302720 ● Student wellbeing service 01174284300 ● Bristol mental health crisis service 03005550334 ● Bristol sanctuary 01179542952 ● Bristol Samaritans 116123 ● Bristol mind 08088080330 ● SaneLine 03003047000 ● Off the record 08088089120 ● Bristol Nightline 01179266266