The inclusion of people with mental health difficulties in education is paramount to furthering our strategic aims as a University. We know too well that Higher Education can be stressful for every student. It is our duty as professionals to provide clear and widely accessible information about the availability of resources and support, and to strengthen our own pastoral care and support services for students and staff.  Building a healthy University involves not only recognising and supporting to the needs of those with mental health difficulties, but also promoting the general mental wellbeing of everyone.

Join us for the official launch of Shelf Help, a bibliotherapy initiative developed by Information Services, and Student Wellbeing and Inclusion. These books and films have been chosen by other students, health professionals, and trained librarians to help individuals overcome experiences, thoughts, and feelings that can be stressful or uncomfortable. As well as books, the Shelf Help website includes links to helpful apps, videos, and much more. Here you will find information, advice, and personal stories that deal with topics such as living with anxiety and depression, to coping with exam stress, to romance and sexuality. 

Christine Cather, of The Wee Read and Words Work Well, will join us to discuss the different ways in which bibliotherapy can be used, and to share the background and related research regarding the benefits of the arts in health. We will finish with a short workshop on using reading writing creatively with room for discussion afterwards. 

This event will take place in the Horizon Suite, LRC5, at our Sighthill Campus.