SU Buddy Scheme
Many
of you may be finding settling Many of you may be finding settling into University even more daunting in the current climate. Knowing where you can meet new people, how you can get advice from returning students who've done it all before
and how you are able to interact has become more challenging as we keep our distance to protect each other and our community. But the most important thing to remember is that you are not alone.
If you’re looking for someone to
meet for a coffee, to try a new sporting or cultural activity with or just to have a chat with (in person or virtually), then sign up as a participant in the UPSU Buddy Scheme.
The Buddy Scheme is designed to be very informal –
it’s just a chance to meet someone new, boost your wellbeing and combat loneliness through the support offered by a student just like you.
Be Active, Reduce Stress (B.A.R.S)
Be Active, Reduce Stress (BARS) is a wellbeing referral project that utilises peer support and activity to assist in supporting improve students with low level mental health.
Referrals come from the University of Plymouth wellbeing services, personal tutors and Residence Assistants to ensure only students with low level mental health such as depression, loneliness, anxiety, overwhelmed etc utilise the
project.
Once the student and buddy are paired they are able to access the Give It A Go activity timetable for 6 weeks for free. GIAG is a weekly timetable of low level activities on or close to campus such as; Yoga, Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton,
Football, Swimming that would usually cost £3.50 per session. The buddy will know all the information for each session and will offer to attend with the student to reduce stress and anxiety levels. As a group of students and buddies
we will also organise group activities such as; walking around the Hoe, pottery painting, jump, stand up paddleboarding and more to encourage students to explore their University city and partake in opportunities they would not usually
access.