Mental Health Awareness Week | May 2025
On 12th-18th May 2025, it is Mental Health Awareness Week organised by the Mental Health Foundation and they want to use this week to celebrate the power and importance of community.
Being part of a positive community is good for mental health and wellbeing. Communities help us to belong, feel safe and supported, which can help us feel happier and improve our mental health.
MOVE is a community of people who want to meet people and #MOVEtogether to enjoy all the mood boosting mental health benefits of physical activity in a friendly and inclusive environment.
There is also a MOVE Teams group to help connect the community and share information: FAC - MOVE | General | Microsoft Teams
There are also many other UWE communities available for staff and students to join. The SU have societies as a great way to meet people, learn new skills and have a good time.
There are staff community boards to help connect the UWE staff network and share information.
Benefits of exercise:
We often think of physical activity and exercise as something we do to stay fit, to lose weight, tone muscles and improve heart health. MOVEing your body regularly is also one of the most effective ways to improve your mental health and help build emotional resilience.
Exercise boosts the production of endorphins, your brains natural mood booster, it can also improve sleep, help relieve tension, help calm the mind, boost your self-esteem and improve confidence.
Physical activity provides the perfect opportunity to meet like mined people and be part of a safe and positive community which is vital for our mental health and wellbeing.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that you have to work out intensely to feel the benefits. In reality, even a 10-minute walk during your day can boost your mood and reduce anxiety. The key is consistency and finding something you enjoy to make it part of your routine.
Ideas on how you can get active:
Join a MOVE session to #MOVEyourMind - UWE MOVE — UWE Bristol Sport activities include Yoga, DanceFit, Climbing, Basketball, Aerial Hoop, Menostrength and Broga.
Take a brisk walk before, during or after work, this is even more beneficial if you can do it with someone or in a group, so you get the social benefits.
Play a sport with friends or family.
Use stairs and walk as much as possible during your day.
Try some exercises at your desk General 2 — UWE Bristol Sport
Try one of our On Demand classes which you can fit in your day when it suits you. On Demand Classes — UWE Bristol Sport.