Discover what’s happening this week for Mental Health Awareness Week — from creative and mindfulness activities to stress-busting workshops and ways to boost your memory, plus a Eurovision watch party this weekend!

Monday 12 May: Improve your memory, wellbeing workshop and designing and presenting a research poster

Boost your memory and productivity in 90 minutes at this Study Plus workshop with Mark Channon, author of ‘The Memory Workbook’ and memory coach on Channel 4’s ‘Can I Improve My Memory?’

Student Support and Wellbeing’s wellbeing workshop this month is on the theme of ‘New beginnings’ and will take place in Keynes. Come along to learn about ways to support your wellbeing and to meet others.

Postgraduate Researchers are invited to join a half-day workshop where you can learn how to design and present a research poster that effectively communicates to an academic audience.

Tuesday 13 May: Crafternoon (Medway), Mindful colouring with Counselling team and Fireside chat with Chancellor YolanDa Brown

Get creative and enjoy a Crafternoon at The Hub, the final one of the academic year.

Between 12:00-14:00, members of the Counselling team will be available in Nexus to answer any of your queries you may have about therapy and mindfulness. There will also be mindful colouring to help you de-stress during the exam period.

We are delighted to have award winning saxophonist, broadcaster and our very own Chancellor, YolanDa Brown to give the closing keynote speech at our Kent and Medway Business Summit. Kent students can sign up for free to join the special fireside chat with YolanDa Brown on Tuesday 13 May from 15:30, where our Chancellor will be talking to Susie Warran-Smith CBE DL, entrepreneur, author and broadcaster.

Wednesday 14 May: Creative pause and managing stress

For students who live in on-campus accommodation, take a creative pause from studying with ResLife in ESR2 in Eliot. Try your hand at making charm bracelets or phone straps, paint a small canvas, or personalise your own tote.

Feeling stressed? Jeffrey Wotherspoon is running an online Study Plus workshop about how to manage stress well when you are busy or have a heavy workload. Learn how stress can aid you as well as tips for managing stress.

Thursday 15 May: Teaching training, support after graduation and tie dye

Interested in teaching? Pop along and meet our team to find out about our teacher training programmes in primary and secondary schools near you in Caffe Nero. Grab a coffee and have a chat.

Graduating soon? Explore tools and services to help you succeed in this online workshop from the Careers and Employability Service.

Give tie dye a try on Thursday afternoon. Bring any old T-shirts, pillowcases, tote bags and more. As long as it’s cotton and lightly coloured, you can tie dye it! This will take place on the Library Lawn or DG-01 in the library if the weather is not great.

Friday 16 May: Understanding stress and self-care and Summer Global Hangout

Learn more about stress and self-care at this online Study Plus workshop. You will have the opportunity to explore the symptoms of stress (physical, emotional, and behavioural) and then think about the steps you can take to develop your self-care routines and those important work-life boundaries that will keep you well.

On Friday afternoon it’s the Canterbury Summer Global Hangout. Join us to celebrate the flavour of summer with creative crafts, fun games and refreshments. As with all our Global Hangouts this is a chance to relax, meet with existing friends and make some new ones. Open to all students. The Medway Summer Global Hangout will be on Monday 19 May.

Saturday 17 May: BioBlitz and Eurovision Song Contest Watch Party

Saturday marks the annual Kent BioBlitz, where students, staff and the local community come together at our Canterbury campus to record as many animal species as possible. There are also events throughout the day including guided nature walks, butterfly and bumbleebee surveys, pond dipping and more. The BioBlitz is organised by students from the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology and is open to all.

Get ready for a night of glitter, drama, and outrageous key changes! Join us in ELT2 in Eliot College for the ultimate Eurovision Song Contest 2025 Watch Party which includes big screen viewing, a selection of free international snacks and soft drinks, Eurovision score sheets and more!

See more student events.

Opportunities

• Could you make use of the Kent Career Fund? The funding can be used towards the cost of travel or accommodation for unpaid extra-curricular work experience, travel to an interview, employment-related activities or training.
• We are excited to announce a new collaboration with Kent Food Hubs CIC, launching a student-run collection hub on campus. This gives students, staff, and local residents the opportunity to collect their orders of fresh, local produce without a delivery charge – making sustainable and affordable food more accessible than ever.
• Still sorting your housing plans for next year? There’s still time to secure a room on campus. It’s a great option if you haven’t arranged private housing or don’t have a group to live with, plus many of our accommodations come with an en-suite.

See more student opportunities.

Wellbeing Student Advisory Board (WSAB) board member Ryan Wong recently wrote an Op-Ed published in the Times Higher Education publication about the pioneering initiative that is revolutionising our mental health and wellbeing offering here at Kent.  

Through the WSAB, Kent is actively reshaping how students’ access and interact with services, ensuring support reaches those who need it most. With over 4,177 students registered with Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW) — a significant 22% of the student population — Kent is proving that its approach is making an impact. 

So, what’s different about WSAB? Unlike traditional mental health services that rely on students making the first move, WSAB acts as a bridge, ensuring students feel heard and supported before they even realise they need it. WSAB is implementing peer-led discussions, targeted awareness campaigns, and proactive outreach efforts to ensure students don’t slip through the cracks.  

Ask students what mental health support they need 

By Ryan Wong 

When Alex*, a third-year politics and international relations student, found that financial stress, academic pressure and anxiety were building up last year, he didn’t immediately turn to student services for help. “I was really struggling, but I didn’t think services were for me.” His response shows that the problem in student support isn’t always the absence of support, but how it’s perceived and accessed. 

And right now robust, accessible mental health and wellbeing support for students across the sector is critical. Between 2016/17 and 2022/23, the proportion of undergraduate students in the UK reporting mental health difficulties rose from 6 to 16 per cent, according to a 2023 report from King’s College London. A 2021 survey by the Office for National Statistics found that 37 per cent of first-year students reported symptoms of depression and anxiety, only reinforced the situation.  

As a student, I recognise that in challenging times, finding the right wellbeing support at university can often feel overwhelming. Whether due to stigma, lack of awareness or simply feeling lost in the moment, too many who need help don’t seek it out. 

Another reason students don’t engage is that they are rarely involved in shaping the support services designed for them. Without meaningful student input, services can miss the nuances of student life, leading to well-intentioned support that’s functional but underused. 

I wanted to make a difference to this situation, so I joined the university’s Wellbeing Student Advisory Board (WSAB). From a student’s perspective, here are actions that may help wellbeing offices increase student engagement with their services. 

Give students a seat at the table 

To support student mental health, universities need to go beyond funding. Students should be actively involved in designing the systems meant for them. The issue isn’t just having services; it’s ensuring that students engage with them.  

One way to do this is to bring student representatives into decision-making. At the University of Kent, our advisory board includes 20 students from diverse backgrounds and life experiences, working to make wellbeing support more accessible and less intimidating. It’s chaired by the vice-president for welfare and community and run through the students’ union, ensuring it remains student-led while being closely supported by the University. We meet at least twice a term, with each meeting attended by the Head of Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW), Lee Fellows. We then share key insights and action points with student support.  

Application-based recruitment means every member joins with a genuine interest in mental health or lived experience of using support services. The two-way communication also helps the university manage services and spending. 

“The Wellbeing Student Advisory Board provides a direct communication line to students,” according to Fellows, which helps the University ‘to understand what students expect from support services and how we shape our priorities.” 

Ensure the message that support is available to everyone is clear 

Many students assume that support services are only for those in crisis. Despite significant investment, engagement remains a challenge. Some students fear judgement, others aren’t sure how to start. For example, at Kent, more than 4,177 students are registered with SSW and 2,982 have individual learning plans, yet many others still struggle in silence. This year so far we have seen 222 missed counselling appointments and 1104 missed DSA and Adviser appointments, suggesting that accessibility and engagement still need work. 

That’s why visibility matters. We promote services through the Students’ union website, social media and campus events. We also use insight from support data, union-led surveys, and face-to-face conversations on campus to shape responses. After positive feedback about Coco the therapy dog, for example, the board supported continuing on-campus therapy dog sessions. When students asked for alternative well–being activities, we expanded the Kent Community Oasis Gardens –a space for gardening, reflection, and connection. 

Make support accessible 

An online platform can offer practical advice and mental health resources, accessible even for remote students. Online resources, such as Kent Students’ Union wellbeing hub, allow students to seek help at their own pace.  

The board also works with the union to ensures students know that support extends beyond mental health, addressing challenges such as the cost-of-living crisis through the campus pantry, which provides free food, and JobShop, which connects students with part-time work. 

For politics student Alex, this joined-up support made all the difference. After seeking advice from SSW, he was signposted to JobShop and student services. “Once I finally reached out, they pointed me to things on campus that really helped,” he said. “I feel so much more positive now.” 

Peer-led boards like the WSAB help services feel more relatable and encourage students to take that first step towards seeking help. They also need to know support is about more than just for crisis moments -it’s about helping students to thrive in all aspects of life.  

From my experience, students are rarely invited to help shape the systems they rely on. That needs to change. Students shouldn’t be passive recipients of wellbeing services; they should be active partners. If universities are serious about supporting students, they need to put their trust in them, too. 

If you are struggling please visit the WSAB website attend a drop-in session or reach out to a peer advisor. The support is here, you just need to take the first step! 

Blog originally repurposed from The Times Higher Education which can be found here.  

* Name has been changed. 

References 

Office for National Statistics (2021). Coronavirus and first year higher education students, England – Office for National Statistics. [online] www.ons.gov.uk. Available at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/healthandwellbeing/bulletins/coronavirusandfirstyearhighereducationstudentsengland/4octoberto11october2021. 

Sanders, M. (2023). Student Mental Health in 2023: Who is struggling and how is the situation changing. The Policy Institute, Kings College London. 

Temporary Road Closure – St Peter’s Place, Canterbury 

Please note that St Peter’s Place, located near the Westgate Towers, will be closed from Tuesday, April 22, 2025, until February 13, 2026. 

This closure will affect Stagecoach bus services 400, 401, and Uni 1, which will be diverted starting Sunday, April 20.

The Uni1 and 400 service will be departing two minutes early from the Canterbury Bus Station and the 401 service will not be attending the Westgate Towers bus stop (outbound direction)

Students who rely on these services should check the Stagecoach Service Updates regularly for a temporary timetable with details on diversion routes and changes to departure times. 

Save Up to 40% on Bus Travel with the Stagecoach Student Bus Pass! 

Did you know that with the Stagecoach Student Bus Pass, you can save up to 40% on bus travel? The University of Kent’s UniRider 3 pass gives you unlimited travel on all Stagecoach buses across Kent and East Sussex until September 14, 2025. 

For more information and to answer any questions about student bus passes, be sure to visit the Stagecoach website. 

Stay informed and plan your journeys accordingly to avoid disruptions. Please visit the Transport Web page for helpful tips and benefits of journey planning.  

It’s the start of the Summer term! Best of luck to everyone taking exams over the next few weeks. Unsure what to expect? Watch our exams videos.

Tuesday 6 May: Spend time with animals and online Research Cafe

De-stress by spending some time with a cute dog in The Hub at Medway on Tuesday over lunch.

If you live in on-campus accommodation, you can join ResLife for a Goat Walking experience for £5 which includes your transport to the farm. You’ll walk through a beautiful wild valley taking in the views and wildflowers, with the goats to help keep you company.

PhD students are invited to join the online Research Café on Tuesday afternoon where you can share your research with peers and connect with others beyond your discipline.

Wednesday 7 May: Wilder Wellbeing and STEM placement bootcamp ‍

Every Wednesday between 7 May – 11 June, Kent Wildlife Trust are offering a free Wilder Wellbeing programme for students. These sessions will include gentle walks where you will learn relaxation techniques to experience the benefits of nature to improve and maintain your wellbeing.

If you are in your first year of a STEM subject and want to learn more about placements, you can join this placement bootcamp in Kennedy. Learn how to apply for placements, hear from past students and take part in a CV activity to get you application ready.

Thursday 8 May: Using AI in job applications and aromatherapy (Medway)

Unsure how to use AI in job applications? Join this online session to find out how generative AI can be used in job applications, as well as the dangers and what to avoid.

On Thursday you can give aromatherapy a go at The Hub, making up calming scents to help you relax during the Summer term.

Friday 9 May: Medway activities and awards, 3MT peer practice and games night

Friday is a busy day at Medway campus with the Spring into Summer day of activities including crazy golf and free candy floss, followed by the Medway Activities Awards at The Deep End, celebrating top-tier student members in societies and sports teams.

The 3MT (three-minute thesis) competition is coming up soon. This session on Friday is for anyone who wishes to practise their 3MT presentation and get feedback before the semi-final on 21 May.

On Friday evening head to DG-01 in Templeman Library for a Social and Games Night, where you can play board games and the Nintendo Switch. Open to all.

See more student events.

Reminders

• There is a bus diversion near Westgate Towers. The Uni1 and 400 service will be departing two minutes early from the Canterbury Bus Station and the 401 service will not be attending the Westgate Towers bus stop (outbound direction).
• Want to win £1,000? 10 Kent students will win £1,000 for simply registering with Santander’s Open Academy by 15 May.
• Postgrad student? You only have until 9 May to give your feedback on the postgrad experience at Kent and be in with the chance of winning 1 of 4 £250 cash prizes.

Opportunities

• Could a Year In be right for you? A Year In is a programme offered by Kent which allows you to take a year in another course. You can do this between stage 2 and stage 3 of your course or after you have completed stage 3. The programme you take will be added to your degree title which can really enhance your CV. Find out about Year In subjects and application deadlines.
• Paid job opportunity: apply by 11 May to be a 2025-26 Student Content Creator.
• Still sorting your housing plans for next year? There’s still time to secure a room on campus. It’s a great option if you haven’t arranged private housing or don’t have a group to live with, plus many of our accommodations come with an en-suite.
• We’re excited to announce the official opening of our new Enhanced PC Suite(also known as Templeman PC Room 3), a newly developed, high-spec PC space designed for both teaching and recreational use, for example Esports and gaming.

See more student opportunities.

This month’s Kent Star is Toyin, who is the Founder and CEO of The Wonder Lab Project, providing inspiring STEM activities for children aged 5 – 10 at schools in Medway. These activities are centred around helping children to focus, enhancing creativity and developing critical thinking skills, all through a STEM lens. Hear from Empowering Educator Toyin:

“I’m Toyin Sanyaolu, The Founder and CEO of The Wonder Lab Project and The Wonder Lab Academy.  I’m a Business and Management student at the University of Kent, and a mum of two. Having struggled academically as a child, I am thrilled to be a KBS student, breaking down barriers and thriving despite being dyslexic. Being neurodivergent and a parent is challenging, but my passion for what I do gets me through.

What is The Wonder Lab Project and why is this important to you?

“I started The Wonder Lab Project as a university project during my foundation year. Discovering many problems in education, the cost of living, and the links between young people, either out on the streets causing havoc or being in the NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training). I decided to do something to help the situation by creating The Wonder Lab Project, which provides STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) activities for children aged 5 – 10 at schools.

The activities we create are centred around helping children focus, enhance creativity, critical thinking and begin to gain essential skills such as engineering, coding, and other sciences, for future employment. Many future jobs will depend on science and technology, so the world needs innovators, skilled workers, problem solvers, and sustainability.

We educate our students to think about their communities and the impact they will have with what they do, which is why the organisation started as a Community Interest Company. Not only do we provide activities that give children the opportunity to gain these essential skills but we teach them in a way that any child can learn simply by ‘doing’ and having fun. It helps them manage their emotions when they start to get frustrated and learn to persevere. When they finally complete their tasks, you can see the great sense of achievement and joy on their faces. Their competitiveness comes to light, but they also want to help each other out. That’s what we encourage at The Wonder Lab Project. A different way of learning. We help them see the opportunities ahead by teaming up with manufacturing companies that come and show them the opportunities available.

We encourage our students to be creative and think outside of the box. Since its success from the pilot in September 2024, I have started The Wonder Lab Academy, at the request of many parents in Medway. We have also provided activities for SEND schools in Medway and have increasing requests for secondary schools and tech colleges. The Wonder Lab Academy is a limited company that provides a STEM club for children aged 5-10 every week in Medway. This allows more children in the area access to our activities.

The Wonder Lab Project means everything to me. As a parent, I would like to see my children thrive with their friends. I relate to many parents that worry about their children’s safety, opportunities and affording activities that not only help them thrive but keep them in safe environments and away from negative influences. I want to see a better tomorrow and be a part of what creates that better tomorrow.  I hope to be a positive role model to not just my children but every child. Even if they have a learning difference, I want to show them they can break their barriers too.”

Can you tell us about your ASPIRE Business Start-up Journey experience?

“I attended the ASPIRE workshops in hopes of gaining business support, and it didn’t disappoint. Through ASPIRE I was able to obtain a grant for my business, which has helped tremendously with purchasing equipment and has enabled me secure exhibition bookings.

The ASPIRE workshops were insightful and enjoyable. Artur was very supportive of my business start-up journey. The weekly pizzas after each workshop were great too, giving us all time to socialise and share our business ideas. It was brilliant being connected to successful entrepreneurs who mentored me, right up to the pitching finals. I’ve stayed connected with many of them. The entire process helped build my confidence to enter the pitching competition and pitch in the finals, coming in 2^nd place. It helped me face my biggest fear, public speaking. And now, I feel ready to do more! I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to start a business.”

What advice would you give to other students?

“My advice to other students is don’t be afraid to follow your passion or share your ideas with those who can help you achieve them. Always know why you are doing what you are doing as it will get you through the difficult times and remind you of why you started it in the first place.  Be purposeful. If you have something great that is needed, don’t give up, but be open to changes. It’s important to be able to adapt.”

What are your plans for the next year? 

“My plans for next year are to grow the online presence of my business and provide activities in more schools and youth clubs across the county, extending into London. I would like to see a Wonder Lab Academy in every county and possibly host some larger Wonder Lab events.”

Do you know an inspirational student or student group? Let us know.

Learn more about the Kent Stars campaign.

KentVision will be unavailable on Tuesday 29 April between 8:30 and 11:30.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused while this essential work is carried out.

Should you have any concerns or queries please contact helpdesk@kent.ac.uk.

From June 2025, some University communications sent by email, such as student updates and announcements, will use a new address format: @lists.kent.ac.uk. 

You don’t need to do anything—emails will still arrive as usual, and the display name (e.g., “University of Kent”) will stay the same. The transition starts in April, with the full change happening in June. 

This update helps:
✅ Improve email security
✅ Reduce spam and phishing risks
✅ Make sure important emails reach your inbox reliably 

This won’t affect your personal @kent.ac.uk email.  

If you have any questions or concerns, please do submit a ticket (recommended) or email helpdesk@kent.ac.uk and we will get back to you.