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.
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).
Starting February 2025, at times to suit you.
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 is a stepping stone for students, who want to get involved in some form of sport or exercise at Uni, but need or want some additional support to do so. We will link you to one of our trained Wellbeing Buddies, who will explore what you want to be doing and together you’ll come up with a plan to make that happen. Buddies can with help things like going to an exercise class or a SU club with you, showing you around the gym facilities, linking you to other students with similar interests, keeping you motivated, and making sure you don’t have to attend things alone until you are ready. There is also a weekly fitness class on offer, which is a chance to have fun, try out some group exercise, meeting people and improve your fitness. It’s a small and supported group just for Get Active.
Green Minds
Saturday afternoons, 2pm to 3.30pm.
Green Minds is facilitated by Emma (she/her) who provides a safe, fun and restful environment for a small group of students (max of 10) 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. We know that loneliness, social anxiety and travel can make it hard to visit new places and turn up to things alone. Green Minds aims to support you with this, offering group travel, a small group, and qualified staff 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.
Emma also runs a regular gardening and garden crafts club on campus for anyone who prefers drop-in sessions.
Yoga for Relaxation
Tuesdays 6.15pm to 7pm. Next course starts Tuesday 22 April.
Join Emily (she/her) for six weeks of gentle yoga to calm your body and mind.
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. This class is suitable for all levels and is fully accessible. You don't have to wait to feel stressed out to join our yoga programme.
Art for Wellbeing
This course is full for Semester 2. It will run again in October 2025.
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.
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.