What do students gain from the #Me course?

The structure of the 12-week course coupled with the resources takes each student through the various aspects of mental wellbeing and emotional resilience in order for them to improve their self-awareness by identifying their triggers, strengths, weaknesses, goals and aspirations. The aim of #Me is for each student to become more aware of who they are, where they want to be, what they can offer and for them to develop a range of techniques, strategies and positive friendships that will help them to cope better in life and achieve their goals. It also creates an opportunity for those with an interest in supporting others, or keen to gain experience in this industry, to be trained as #Me facilitators or Brand Ambassadors.

Interpersonal skills

Students can develop their interpersonal and social skills through regularly interacting and supporting one another; showing empathy, having debates, actively listening and expressing appreciation of one another. During each weekly #Me meeting, students will be practicing their communication and listening skills as well as becoming more aware of group dynamics and how they interact with others. The experience will help students to better ‘read’ a situation, understand others’ viewpoints and support / challenge one another.

Collaborative working

#Me promotes a positive mindset and can-do attitude although it’s likely that at some points during the course there will be differences which students will learn to navigate and overcome in a constructive way, aided by the facilitators who receive training on diffusing disagreements. The regular interaction creates an opportunity for students to encourage and help one another, working together as a group to create a supportive environment. With the skills to manage the pressure of achieving specific grades, students are more freely able to explore the dynamics of a group environment and the benefits of working collaboratively to achieve a united goal of improved wellbeing. Facilitators are taught how to co-operate and work as a team to lead the meetings and provide a united front. The same can be said for the Brand Ambassadors who although responsible for their own peer support groups, work together before, during and after the 12-week course.

Physical wellbeing

#Me strongly believes that mental and physical wellbeing go hand in hand. Hence, the course promotes physical activity, in a variety of formats, on a regular basis and encourage students to partake in activity with fellow students in their group and the wider peer groups. Throughout the course students are encouraged to make healthy lifestyle choices, an example of this is through some of the ways recommended to start their day; stretching, hydrating and focusing on deep breathing, all of which are good for physical as well as mental wellbeing. Regular encouragement and ideas shared throughout the resources and sessions help students to set appropriate goals and work towards a more active, balanced lifestyle.

Goal setting and reflection

The logbook each student receives has daily check in pages, weekly exercises and monthly reviews. Every four weeks students choose one overall goal and set two SMART goals which they will work towards and review on a weekly basis in the meetings. At the start of the course, each student reflects on where they are now and where they would like to be regarding their emotions, ambitions, goals, relationships, etc. Students are regularly reminded of this and will use their goal setting to ensure that they are moving in a positive direction towards being the best version of themselves; uniquely individual, continuously growing.

Study skills and broader perspective

The #Me course encourages students to build a routine that consistently helps them to be better organised and more focused, thus less stressed and more productive in their academic work. Moreover, some of the topics covered such as planning, forming new habits and goal setting as well as the commitment to regularly filling in the logbook, complete exercises and reflect will help develop transferable study skills. As the groups are peer based, students will be able to share their thoughts, ideas, challenges and best practice regarding their approach to studying and skills they have developed or are enhancing. The #Me course also encourages students to pursue balance as well as healthy and positive habits. Several of the exercises urge them to think from different perspectives whilst the overall aim is to improve their mindset and approach to their personal, academic and social life balance.

Ethical practice and respecting diversity

The basis for each #Me peer group is to create a safe, supportive and confidential space where students can openly share without feeling judged or at risk of it being repeated. Each individual within the group is responsible for creating this environment and modelling appropriate behaviour that is respectful and inclusive to others. They will build trust over the duration of the course and exercise ethical behaviour by consciously making decisions before, during and after the meeting about what they disclose about themselves and others. Keeping confidentiality, besides promoting personal mental wellbeing, is also a very useful professional and life skill to acquire. As each peer group consists of students from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and ethnicities, throughout the course students will be developing their cultural awareness, sensitivity and emotional intelligence. Some students in the groups may have preconceived ideas or stereotypes which will subconsciously influence their thought process, behaviour and actions. The peer groups will develop their knowledge of unconscious bias and provide the opportunity for recognition of these qualities, to challenge themselves and their approach to respecting diversity as well as allowing students to put into practice what they have learned.

Work place skills

Not only does the #Me course replicate the commitment and regular input and participation required for a long-term programme or project, it also helps students understand how best to conduct themselves and work within a group environment. Students will also develop key skills such as effective communication, organisation and time management as well as resilience that can be instrumental when applying for competitive placements and when operating within professional employment. The experience and skills learnt when improving their mental health and wellbeing can be drawn upon in interviews and applications as students will be able to demonstrate learnt skills of empathy, active listening, time management and problem solving, to name but a few.