Thursday 12 March 2026

#UniMentalHealthDay

What is University Mental Health Day?

It is a day dedicated to get the nation talking about student mental health. It is organised in collaboration with UMHAN, The University Mental Health Advisers Network, a national UK charity.

This day aims to open conversations about mental health while you are at university and is focused on getting the nation to talk about student wellbeing and working together to make mental health a university-wide priority.

Together we can create meaningful connections.

With our current attitudes this theme feels particularly important. In a time where we are increasingly online, our interactions and connections with people are becoming less frequent at times when we need them the most.

The theme shows us that despite being in more contact with one another than ever before, it cannot replace in-person human connection.

Image downloaded by Adobe stock 2026. Created by Drazen Education License

Why does this day matter?

University can be a daunting yet exciting experience – however this means it can also feel overwhelming.

In a time where everything can feel uncertain due to academic stress, new environments, increasing cost of living, and global politics – it can all negatively impact our mental health. Meaning an outlet is needed to maintain a sound mind.

In a 2022 survey by the mental health charity Student Minds, 57% of respondents self-reported a mental health issue and 27% said they had a diagnosed mental health condition. (Student Minds, 2026)

Support and change are possible – you are not alone.

Why human connection?

Image downloaded from Adobe stock 2006. Created by Melita Education License.

Research proves that strong social relationships are vital to our mental health. Strong connections help support us through challenging times and make good times even brighter. There is a fundamental need to feel valued and feel close to others, it is a part of what makes us human.

Despite this, loneliness is increasing, exacerbated by challenges such as political polarisation and technology that encourages people to rely less on human connection. It has become harder to connect and easier to isolate, with at least 1 in 3 students having felt or feeling lonely. (Student Minds, 2026)

You can still feel lonely, even in the busiest of environments, this is why it is important to make steps to try and not feel this way. Loneliness encapsulates the importance of conversation, community spaces, peer support, and shared experiences.

The smallest of actions: a conversation, checking in, attending an event, can make a difference to someone’s life.

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What is happening in the library?

StressLess

There are StressLess events held every month on the second floor of Augustine House, 2-5pm, they each follow a theme. For example, this month one was held following the University Mental Health Day theme – human connection.

StressLess provides a welcome break if you are studying in the library or popping by – everyone is welcome. It is available for both staff and students.

It provides a place to connect and take a break. It could be an opportunity to meet new people, learn a new skill, reconnect with activities that you used to do and enjoy. It can be anything you want it to be and means different things to different people.

You could also become a StressLess champion and become even more involved, providing you a space to meet new people and belong to a team.

Display

Additionally, there will also be a display on the first floor for the entire week, highlighting University Mental Health Day, with further information, books, and resources on the topic.

Library and Digital Resources for Wellbeing

The Library is not just a place for studying and education, there are a plethora of resources available in order to help you take a break and relax.

What is available:

• Non-fiction books on the second floor
• Various books and eBooks on personal growth
• Libby app
  • Available to all students and staff
  • eBooks and audiobooks
  • Ideal for reading recent and popular books
• BFI Player
  • Films and documentaries for when you want to watch something to unwind.

To find out more about these resources check out LibrarySearch and your A-Z Databases!

As a student, it can sometimes feel as if taking a break is counterproductive – #UniMentalHealthDay is there to tell you it is not and is essential to be your best and healthy self.

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How to get involved!

Use the #UniMentalHealthDay – to spread the word and awareness!

You could attend a StressLess event!

Reach out to a friend!

Reflect on what human connection means to you and if you want or need a change in your life.

#UniMentalHealthDay

To end, the last point is simply a reminder that student mental health matters, no one should feel alone at university.

– and human connection is a way of bettering this, so we need to prioritize it!

We can do this within our classrooms, our communities, and our everyday conversations.

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Support available at CCCU

Mental health and wellbeing – My CCCU – Canterbury Christ Church University 

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Bibliography

Student Minds (2026), University Mental Health Day. Available at: University Mental Health Day – Thursday 12 March 2026 (Accessed: 10/03/26).

UMHAN (2026), University Mental Health Day. Available at UMHAN | Home (Accessed: 10/03/26).

Aked, J., Marks, N., Cordon, C., and Thompson S. (22 October 2008) Five ways to wellbeing. Available at: Five ways to wellbeing | New Economics Foundation (Accessed: 10/03/26).

Main Image: Created by SewCream Studio. Adobe Stock. Education License. Downloaded March 2026.