This mental health day, Friday 10th October 2025, we are raising awareness for and educating on mental health. We encourage you to get involved and wear green (Mental Health Foundation) or yellow/orange (Young/Student Minds) on the day.
The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day is ‘access to services – mental health in catastrophes and emergencies’. The national organisations are focusing on sharing information about protecting your mental health in times of global unrest, with articles and posts explaining how to manage feelings of being overwhelmed. To read these articles in full, check out this link: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/articles/overwhelm-when-global-events-and-relentless-bad-news-become-too-much
Mental health stigma is still a significant issue, and this is something we continue to work and have had many students join our ‘Break the Stigma’ pledge in previous years, with more joining each year.
Nearly 50% of young people enter higher education, with approximately 1 in 4 reporting having a diagnosed Mental Health Issue whilst at university.
With lifestyle pressure:
Please remember that you are not alone. From a range of services internally at BNU and BSU to the external services in the community and nationally as well, there is lots of support available.
At Bucks Students’ Union we have the Advice Centre. You can visit them at the Students' Union offices or contact them at suadvice@bnu.ac.uk. This service is free for students to use where you can get free confidential advice, guidance, and support. They can support on issues/concerns relating to academic, accommodation, finance, legal, personal and policies. The have offices in the Uxbridge and High Wycombe campuses and offer in person and online meets.
Buckinghamshire New University is a part of the University Mental Health Charter (UMHC). This is a scheme that university have joined to support student mental health and ensure you can get the support you need.
The services BNU offer that support this are:
Please remember that you are not alone. From a range of services internally at BNU and BSU to the external services in the community and nationally as well, there is lots of support available (check out this page for more information https://www.bucksstudentsunion.org/support/mentalhealthsupport/ ).
Samaritans: Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
Website: samaritans.org
Student Minds: Phone calls - available from 3pm-midnight, 7 days a week: 0808 189 5260.
Texts (available 24/7): To start a conversation text ‘STUDENT’ to 85258 and to stop the conversation text ‘STOP’.
Email: students@themix.org.uk. They aim to respond within 24 hours.
Webchat: available on their website
Mind (Mental Health Charity): Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.
Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm)
Text: 86483
Website: mind.org.uk
Calm (Campaign Against Living Miserably): Support for men ages 15-35.
Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm-midnight)
Website: thecalmzone.net
SANE: Emotional support, information and guidance for people affected by mental illness, their families and carers.
Text: sane.org.uk/textcare
Peer support forum: sane.org.uk/supportforum
Website: sane.org.uk/support
Kooth: With no waiting lists, you can access free, safe and anonymous support provided by qualified practitioners.
Website: kooth.com
The Coves: An alternative community-based crisis service for people experiencing a crisis or mental distress.
Website: cnwl.nhs.uk/services/coves
Talking Therapies Service: Providing a range of talking therapies for people who feel anxious and worried or down and depressed.
Website: talkingtherapies.cnwl.nhs.uk
If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health, here are some things you can follow:
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Check in on yourself. Look at your sleep patterns, the food you are consuming and your eating habits.
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Try deep breathing or other breathing techniques
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Make sure you are prioritising the right things for you.
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Communicate regularly. Speak to others and check in on them too.
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Support. You can use the support services at the union and university.
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Physical Health. Take some time to go for a walk or do some exercise.
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Sleep. Make sure you are getting enough sleep. Between 6-8 hours is recommended. Try shutting off electronics an hour before bed, read a book, try doing something you find relaxing.
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Diet. Ensure you are eating a healthy/balanced diet.
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Action Plan. You can create a plan for when you are feeling low. This would include who to contact, what activities you can do. (https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/your-mind-plan-quiz/).
Remember you are not alone.
If you know someone who needs supports, start the conversation, and interrupt their thoughts. Ask them what the time is? It only takes a question.
If you want any more information about any information in this article, please email union@bnu.ac.uk.