What is social prescribing at Bath?
Social prescribing offers a non-medical alternative, or additional, way for you to support your health and wellbeing. Our social prescribing programme connects students to activities that help improve your wellbeing, reduce social isolation, learn a new skill 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, 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.
All of the Semester one courses have started. You can register your interest for Semester 2 courses.
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 and social connection
- improve self confidence
- make friends and have fun
Social prescribing can also help with your physical health and have lots of other benefits, depending on what you personally want to gain.
Art for Wellbeing
Art for Wellbeing is designed for students who are interested in managing or improving their wellbeing and social connections through a variety of art-based media.
This course is facilitated by Bath-based artist Samantha Hickman and involves creative techniques such as collaging, textiles, poetry, painting and more. Samantha provides a warm and inviting environment to explore, reflect and share the creative process.
If you want to be notified of Semester 2 dates for this course and any others on this page, please register your interest and we will contact you when we start to take bookings.
Green Minds
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 offers you the chance to enjoy a range of nature-based craft activities and trips including our popular terrarium workshops, making eco-friendly products, visiting Bath City Farm and drinking lots of hot chocolate.
Green Minds is facilitated by our gardener Emma who loves anything that involves plants, wellbeing and repurposing. Emma provides a safe, fun and calming environment at her sessions and guides students through creative ways to support their wellbeing through nature. She also runs a regular gardening and garden crafts club on campus.
If you want to be notified of Semester 2 dates for this course and any others on this page, please register your interest and we will contact you when we start to take bookings.
Yoga for your mind
Yoga for your mind aims to support your wellbeing through 8 x 90 minutes sessions that combines yoga practice and sensitive group discussion about your health and wellbeing. The course is delivered by the Teen Yoga Foundation and has been developed specifically for University students at the University of Bath.
Yoga for your mind encourages students to briefly share their thoughts and feelings at the start of each session, and then supports you with practical yoga techniques tailored to what is being shared. Through participating in the 8-week course, we hope that you will experience an improved overall sense of wellbeing (physical and mental) and gain an improved understanding of what yoga is, how it works in the body and how it helps to support mental health.
If you want to be notified of Semester 2 dates for this course and any others on this page, please register your interest and we will contact you when we start to take bookings.
Prescription for Exercise
Prescription for Exercise is a bespoke programme for students at Bath who want to supporting their mental health and wellbeing through exercise. Exercise has all kinds of health and wellbeing benefits, from managing anxiety, improving mood and motivation, improving fitness and physical health and reducing the risk of a range of illnesses.
Over the 8 week programme, you will enjoy a weekly fitness class at the STV which covers a range of activities such as cardio, dance fitness, kettlebells, body conditioning, circuits and Pilates. The classes are suitable for all levels, and no previous experience is required. This weekly class is just for students on Prescription for Exercise and will be the same group each week, providing a safe and small environment for you to build confidence.
You will also be supported by an exercise buddy, who are also students that want to support their peers to feel more confident enjoying exercise. The buddies will help you activate your Sports Pass and organise a range of partner and team / groups sports (tennis, running, badminton, hiking, basketball).
If you want to be notified of Semester 2 dates for this course and any others on this page, please register your interest and we will contact you when we start to take bookings.
Other wellbeing groups and activities
We offer a range of events, activities, workshops and courses to support your wellbeing. These are listed on Be Well events and are continually updated throughout the year. They include dog walking, cooking classes, gardening club and LGBTQ+ workshops.
We also run a weekly Social Networking Group for students who are feeling lonely or isolated at university and a range of courses and workshops to help you overcome mental health problems and develop emotional wellbeing.
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.