Feel Good Week
Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week, 12 to 18 May, 2025
Join us for a week of events to celebrate and promote the importance of being part of a community for our mental health and wellbeing, and get some headspace and support as you prepare for your assessments.
Teams from across the uni and beyond will be running creative, easy and relaxing activities to help you take your mind off exams, and get the skills you need to manage stress.
Feel Good Week 2025: The power and importance of community
Feel Good Week marks the national Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, and this year's theme celebrates the vital wellbeing benefits of being part of a safe, inclusive community.
At Portsmouth, we value our community and strive to ensure every student knows they belong, are welcomed and valued.
Highlights
- Information Stands - advice about all the support available for your Mental Health
- Wellbeing Workshop - learn skills to manage your wellbeing
- Sports and Rec Swimming and Climbing Sessions
- Get Gardening ! Join the new UoP community garden space near campus for your chance to grow and pick your own fruit and veg!
- And lots more - be sure to check out the Student Events Calendar too!
Feel Good Week 2025 events
Events are subject to change, so check back for more details or search the Student Events Calendar. Please note that events may be photographed and filmed - please let a member of staff know if you'd prefer not to feature.
International Nurses' Day
Hosted by UoP Student Nurses
Falling within Mental Health Awareness week - International Nurses' Day 2025 aims to recognise and appreciate the hard work of all our future nurses. Join us for networking, games and learning.
This event is only open to Student Nurses.
Monday 12 May, 10am - 12pm, St Andrews Court.
Book via Eventbrite
Instagram Live - Wellbeing at University - Monday 12 May
Hosted on our UoPStudentLife Instagram account by our PGM Ambassadors
What does being part of the UoP Community mean to you? Our PGM (People of the Global Majority) Ambassadors will be online to answer your questions about mental health support at uni and what's on during Feel Good Week.
You can also join us in the Library for an in-person chat about community and mental health. Student Support Services staff will also be on hand to answer your questions and share information about the support available.
Library Foyer, Monday 12 May, 12pm - 2pm.
Crafternoon in the Library - Tuesday 13 May
Crafternoon in the Library Atrium
Drop into the University Library and take a few moments out of your day to relax, ground yourself, and enjoy crafting your own affirmation card or booklet - something to look to when you feel stressed or to give to a friend to let them know you care. We'll provide everything - you just need to take time out to create another happy memory of university.
Library Atrium, 12 noon - 3 pm
Just Drop-in, no booking required
Seafront Walk - Tuesday 13 May
Hosted by our Res Life Team
Join us for a community Seafront Walk and enjoy the local green spaces, historic sights, and sea views of our amazing waterfront city! Meet at Ress Hall and the walk will take us through Old Portsmouth, across the Common and onto the Seafront.
Tuesday 13 May, 4pm - 6pm, Starting from Rees Hall.
Book via Eventbrite
Mindful Painting - Tuesday 13 May
Hosted by our Res Life Team
Join us for a special event where we combine the power of mindfulness with the creativity of painting! Take a break from the hustle and bustle of life and immerse yourself in the calming world of art. This event is a perfect way to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 and focus on self-care. No experience is necessary, just bring your open mind and willingness to explore your artistic side. Let's paint away stress and worries together!
Book via Eventbrite
Mood Board Making - Wednesday 14 May
Hosted by UPSU
Come join us for a fun and creative afternoon making your own mood board! Everything is provided — a board to decorate, a mini printer, stickers, magazines, and more, but feel free to bring your own photos or materials too.
This relaxing and mindful activity offers you a chance to slow down, reflect, and get inspired. No experience is necessary, just bring your open mind and willingness to explore your artistic side. Let's paint away stress and worries together!
Wednesday 14 May, 1pm - 3pm, Student's Union Common Room.
Book via Eventbrite
Wellbeing Information Stands - Thursday 15 and Friday 16 May
Meet local NHS Partners
The Portsmouth Mental Health Hub and NHS 111 teams will be in the Library with lots of information and advice about the support available to you from our local NHS partners while you study.
Thursday 15 May, 12pm - 2pm, Library Atrium
Friday 16 May, 12pm - 2pm, Library Atrium.
Drop in, no booking required.
Good Things Filming - Thursday 15 May
Run by Res Life
We invite you to share your 'Good Things' with us on camera! Our aim is to create a short video, focusing on the small moments which feel good to you. These will be filmed in the library and shared on social media with the aim to spread some joy, reduce stress and share your stories celebrating positive experiences - no matter how small - and the big impact that has.
Thursday 15 May, 1:30pm - 5pm, Library 1st Floor (Area 1B)
Drop in, no booking required. Come along and talk to us about the project to find out more!
Wellbeing Workshop - Thursday 15 May
Hosted by our Student Wellbeing Service
Meet fellow students and learn skills and strategies to support your mental health and wellbeing. This workshop will be delivered by Student Wellbeing staff and will use evidenced-based models that can be integrated into your day to day life to support you as you study. Free refreshments will also be provided.
Thursday 15 May, 1:30pm - 3pm
Book via Eventbrite
Mindfulness Illustration Workshop - Thursday 15 May
Jointly run by UoP Illustration students, Student Wellbeing and Careers Staff
Join us to relax together, learn about mindfulness and create your own Kindness poster to take away. We're also hoping to pick two designs to be used around campus to uplift and inspire others and share kindness messages to our whole community.
Thursday 15 May, 12pm - 2pm, Third Space
Book via Eventbrite
What We Take With Us - Thursday 15 May
Hosted by Dr Adam Jerrett - Game Designer
Join game designer Dr Adam Jerrett for a workshop experience based on the wellbeing webgame What We Take With Us.
After a short introduction, you’ll be guided through a series of reflective tasks from the game, working quietly in your own time before regrouping for a supportive debrief. You'll make some art, reflect on life, and listen to some music. Art materials will be provided, but please bring your own headphones and phone to access the game.
There are two sessions on Thursday 15 May, 11am and 2pm, Eldon Building
Book via Eventbrite
Get Gardening! Friday 16 May
Hosted by our Student Life Team
Join Student Support Services and Get Gardening ! Great for our mental health and wellbeing, as well as connecting to our local community - this is a new initiative and you are invited to join us for an interactive session to get the UoP Community Garden up and running!
Friday 16 May, 1:30pm - 3:30pm.
Book via Eventbrite
Climbing and Swimming sessions - Various Days/Times
Offered by Sports and Rec
Get together with friends, or meet new people - Ravelin is a hub for community activities open to all staff and students. Spaces for the sessions are limited so please book to secure your space!
Choose your session and book using the links provided on the right
Climbing and Swimming sessions - Various Days/Times
Offered by Sports and Rec
Monday 12 May - 3.00pm - 4.00pm - Staff & Student Casual Swim Session - Ravelin Pool - BOOK
Tuesday 13 May - 10.00am - 11.00am - Staff and Student Casual Swim Session - Ravelin Pool - BOOK
Wednesday 14 May - 1.00pm - 2.30pm - Student Climbing Session - Ravelin Climbing wall - BOOK
Can also be booked through the UoP Sport app.
How community benefits your mental health
Mental Health Awareness Week is a National Initiative run by the Mental Health Foundation.
From their website -
"Being part of a community can make life feel more meaningful and enjoyable, help us feel happier and safer, and improve our mental health. It can even provide protection from the emotional harm of discrimination.1
Yet sometimes, although we’re all part of communities, we don’t always realise the benefits for our mental health. Luckily, there are lots of ways for us to get more involved in our communities and boost our mental health and wellbeing.
By making the most of the communities around us, we can strengthen our connections, find new opportunities, and even make new friends along the way."
Feel Good Week activities are designed to provide information, advice and activities to support your mental health and wellbeing as part of the UoP community. If you are struggling and need support - please contact us at the Student Wellbeing Service.
We provide free mental health, wellbeing and counselling support. We work in partnership with you to fulfil your academic potential and have a meaningful university experience.
You can also use our Urgent Support Pages if needed.
Local community events - Free or low cost
You can find a full directory of community groups and organisations (both council-run and otherwise) in Portsmouth on the HIVE directory.
Yoga - Stretch and Relax
Stretch and Relax is a donation-based yoga course which takes place every Wednesday morning, from 7 May – 24 September 2025, at Victoria Park (Anglesea Rd, Portsmouth, PO1 3HJ).
All abilities are welcome. We meet next to the new greenhouse outside in the park for a 10am start, finishing at 11am.
This is a great way to try yoga for the first time, and an opportunity to spend more time outdoors, in the peaceful surroundings of the park.
You will need to bring a towel or mat, and a water bottle.
Contributions are welcome on the day to help us keep the project going. No need to book, just come along.
For more information, call 023 9284 1762 or email IWT@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
Portsmouth City Council Website
Community Knitting Group
The knitting group at Caroline Square is a welcoming space where anyone aged 18+ can come along to knit and socialise.
Bring your own knitting work along to the group, or take part in community knitting projects. If you don’t have your own knitting supplies, there will be some available.
As well as taking part, there are also opportunities to volunteer as a group leader.
The group meets on the second Tuesday of every month from 2- 3.30 pm at Caroline Square, King William Street, PO1 3JG. There is no need to book a place – simply come along to a session. Refreshments are available at the in-house cafe.
For more information, contact 023 9284 1762 or email iwt@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
Hive Directory
Help with your wellbeing
If you would like some one-to-one advice on your wellbeing, why not get in touch with our Student Wellbeing team?
You can book a same-day advice session to find out more about how to support your wellbeing, or request more support from the team.
There are also plenty of local mental health services and wider support available outside the university, if you'd prefer to speak to someone in the NHS or specialist charities.
More information and resources
Contact the Student Wellbeing Service
Access mental health support and guidance from our friendly team of wellbeing advisers, counsellors and advisers:
Or you can contact us via:
- +44 (0)23 9284 3466
- The Bateson Centre, The Mary Rose St, Portsmouth, PO1 2BL
- wellbeing-admin@port.ac.uk
You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook.
Worried about a student? Whether you're a friend, member of University staff, family member or medical professional you can raise a concern so our service can help.