What is social prescribing at Bath?
Our social prescribing programme connects students to groups that help improve your 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.
You are expected to try and complete the full course (these are not drop in sessions). Please note that you can only sign up to one course per academic year and priority will be given to students who have not attended before.
Don’t worry if you are shy, feel socially awkward, 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 belonging at Bath
- increase their sense of community at University
- make friends and have fun
- give them something to look forward to every week
Social prescribing also has several physical health benefits as well as lots of individual benefits depending on what every individual wants to gain from the group
Get Active
You can join Get Active at any point during the Academic Year (in addition to any other groups you attend).
Get Active is suitable for all levels, no previous experience is needed – just an interest in getting a little (or a lot) more active. Throughout the week our supportive Exercise Buddies (also students) organise various games and workouts, including badminton, running, walks, a weekly game of Pool and more. A fitness class also runs every Wednesday (3pm), delivered by Personal Trainer Jordan at the STV and is supported by the exercise buddies. It’s all free and you can try out as much as you like.
We know exercising can feeling intimidating and difficult to get involved in, particularly if you have no-one to go with or when you’re somewhere new. We also know that you may feel like you’re not good enough to get involved at Bath University because “you’re not sporty”. Get Active aims to give you the support you need to get involved in sport, try new things out or improve on what you’re already interested in.
Our trained Exercise Buddies can help by meeting you in advance of the exercise, showing you around the STV, keeping you motivated and offering the extra encouragement you need. They also arrange taster sessions with the SU Clubs, so you can try out new sports or maybe even join an SU club once you feel more confident.
Green Minds
Saturday afternoons, 2pm to 3.30pm at various locations across Bath.
Starting Saturday 19th October 2024
Green Minds is a seven-week programme that offers you the chance to explore some of our favourite outdoor spots in Bath including Bath City Farm, Sham Castle, the American Museum Gardens, Alexandra Park and the Urban Garden.
Several studies have shown that spending time connecting with nature and the outdoors are associated with positive outcomes for our mental health, stress reduction, anxiety management and overall psycho-social wellbeing. Green Minds is facilitated by our gardener Emma (she/her) who provides a safe, fun and calming environment for a small group of students (max of 10) each week, to enjoy being outdoors and the impact this can have on our wellbeing.
We know that loneliness, social anxiety and travel can make it hard to visit new places, and this project aims to support you with this, offering group travel, a small group, and qualified staff to help you feel more at ease.
Emma also runs a regular gardening and garden crafts club on campus for anyone who prefers drop-in sessions.
Yoga for your Mind
Tuesday evenings, 5:30pm to 6:30pm on campus (Polden Social Lounge).
Starting Tuesday 22nd October.
6 weeks of gentle and restorative yoga aimed at slowing down and soothing the mind.
Each calming class begins and ends with a gentle check-in / check-out, where you have the option of sharing how you are doing/feeling at the moment. The course has been tailored specifically for students at the University of Bath, and is suitable for those new to yoga as well as those of you who already enjoy its benefits.
Yoga for your Mind is delivered by experienced yoga instructor Mark De’Lisser, whose relaxed approach supports you to find a genuine sense of calm and ease.
Art for Wellbeing
Wednesday afternoons, 4:30pm to 6:30pm at The Edge.
Starting Wednesday 16th October 2024.
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 creative techniques such as collaging, stitching, painting and more. Samantha provides a warm and inviting environment to explore, reflect and share the creative process.
Support with your mental health and wellbeing
If you want to talk to someone about any element of 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. Visit Student Support any day of the week 9am-5pm, including weekends.