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Feel Good Fest
12 March 2026
Feel Good Fest 2026 - Celebrating University Mental Health Day
Feel Good Fest is our annual free festival celebrating the things that help us feel good.
What began as the Wellbeing Festival has grown into Feel Good Fest, and in 2026 we are celebrating its 10th year!
Every year students, staff and local organisations gather for our flagship event to help you relax, learn new skills and find new ways to look after your mental and physical health.
Taking place on University Mental Health Day, this event aligns with national efforts to raise awareness and improve student wellbeing across the UK.
It's part of a wider programme across the university, linking to our Get Connected events designed to support your wellbeing and overall student experience.
This year, Feel Good Fest is also part of One World Festival happening across campus during March.
Feel Good Fest 2025 - Celebrating University Mental Health Day
This year's event will be held on University Mental Health Day - an initiative run by Student Minds and UMHAN to bring together the whole university community to make mental health a priority – University Mental health Day 2026.
Date: Thursday 12 March
Time: 12.00pm - 2.00pm
Venue: St Pauls Hall and Chaplaincy Centre.
Drop in to enjoy therapy dogs, crafts, get active taster sessions, free food, fidget giveaways, hand massage, stress and mindfulness techniques, create your own self soothe bag, raffle prizes and more.
There will be a variety of information on hand from Student Support Services, Staff Wellbeing and external partners such as Andy's Man Club, Recovery College and more.
Don't forget your student ID card!!
"The theme for #UniMentalHealthDay 2026 is human connection.
Strong social relationships are integral to us all for enjoying positive mental health. Connection is what makes us human."
What's on
Bug Fest
Get hands on with a range of creatures from giant snails to assassin bugs, hosted by Bug Fest.
Student Wellbeing
Student Wellbeing host Feel Good Fest to raise awareness of University Mental Health day and bring together students, staff and community partners. Come and have a chat with us to find out more about our support and complete a Mind Apple to be entered into our raffle.
Stroke a therapy dog
Meet wonderful waggy-tailed visitors trained to help you lower your stress levels.
Run by Pets as Therapy.
Glass painting
Paint your own glass with a personalised wellbeing message to take home with you.
Run by the Chaplaincy.
Free Food Mood Pots
Our catering team have designed a selection of tasty food pots for us at Feel Good Fest – free, but once they are gone, they’re gone! Veggie, Halal and Vegan options – eat at the event or take away for later in the day.
Coasters with Careers
One of our most popular activities last year! Come along and create your own coaster to take away while having a chat with the Careers team!
Run by the Careers & Employability Service.
Try Crochet and needle felting
Learn some simple crochet techniques to get started, or bring along your own crochet or needle felting projects for some expert advice!
Run by the Student Wellbeing Service.
Library Tuk Tuk
Look out for the local council's Library tuk tuk in for your chance to sign up for a free library membership, and borrow books, eBooks and more.
Run by the Portsmouth Libraries Service.
Sport and Rec
Say hi to Sports and Rec, take part in their Basketball Hoop Challenge, and find out more about their Wellbeing gym membership, Climbing for Wellbeing and other initiatives to keep body and mind healthy. They'll also be giving away branded towels!
Student Life
Student Life are here to help you navigate life at university. They’ll be on hand for a chat and giving away resources and information about how you can put together your own self soothe kit.
Disability Advice
Disability Advice (formerly ASDAC) staff will be offering an interactive craft activity as well as answering all your questions about their support. There will also be quiet spaces available if needed.
NHS partners
We are proud to have strong links with many of our local NHS partners. Both the NHS 111 service and Portsmouth Mental health Hub will be at Feel Good Fest to share information and answer any questions you may have.
Community partners
Connection with the community is a really important aspect of our wellbeing, and we have some great Portsmouth partners attending Feel Good Fest this year - Hive, Urbond, and Andy's Man Club will have information, activities and give aways!
Dance and Art for wellbeing
Sally from Bailando with Sally will be attending showcasing art and creative projects to support wellbeing, and taking signature sign ups for an event due to be held in May for Mental health week. Sign up and find out more!
PGM ambassadors
Our new PGM Ambassadors will be here for information, advice and friendly chats. Check out our ambassador Solene’s blog for Mental Health Week.
Student Union
UPSU Advice Service will be bringing along their Spin the wheel activity – prizes and give aways, as well as a friendly chat about how they can support you!
Win wellbeing prizes
Share your top wellbeing tips for fellow students and be in with a chance to win UoP Hoodies and catering vouchers that can be used across all our campus cafes! You can also visit other stalls across the event for free giveaways and sweets
Plant a seed
Test out your green fingers and get ready for Spring with our seed planting activity. Run by Roots Network.
Need some space?
If you'd like a break from the hustle and bustle of Feel Good Fest, drop into our quiet space upstairs in Chaplaincy. There are two rooms to choose from - The Lounge, where quiet activities such as Crochet will take place, or a smaller quiet room with no distractions or other activities.
Social battery traffic light system
We want everyone to feel welcome and enjoy Feel Good Fest in whatever way feels most comfortable for them.
Following the positive response last year, we’re bringing back the Social Battery Traffic Light system. It’s a simple way to let others know whether you’re open to chatting or would prefer to enjoy the event quietly.
When you arrive, pick a Red, Amber, or Green sticker to wear. Your colour shows your energy level and how you’d like others to approach you.
Look out for the posters at the entrance for more info or ask staff on your arrival.
Need some support?
Our wellbeing team offers free mental health, wellbeing and counselling support to help you make the most of your time at university. We work alongside you to support your academic success and overall university experience.
Support includes daily advice sessions, one to one counselling, self help resources and practical guides, as well as workshops, courses, events and support groups that help you build skills and connect with others.
We also provide free 24 hour wellbeing and practical support through a confidential helpline on 0800 028 3766.
If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency, call 999. You can also visit our Urgent Support page for immediate help.
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