Self care
Relaxation
Getting active
Mindfulness
Human connection
Autism - 'The world needs all kinds of minds'
We know this is a very concerning time for everyone. We are here to help and support you and will continue to provide a confidential service throughout this period.
The GCU Wellbeing team has compiled a range of resources for students and staff to access online.
If you need support or advice, please contact our Wellbeing Team studentwellbeing@gcu.ac.uk or our Disability Team disability@gcu.ac.uk.
GCU Students' Association Student Advisers are working remotely and are available as normal, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm, to offer support. Please email advice@GCUstudents.co.uk.
Any student who wishes to assess their own risk in relation to COVID-19 may chose to use the generic self-assessment form. If you have any questions about this we strongly recommend that you to speak to your GP for medical advice.
We've put together an online platform where self-care information, wellbeing resources, live workshops and more can be engaged with by students from the comfort of their home.
You can access this through GCU Learn by following the current steps:
1. Log into your GCU Learn as normal
2. Go to the Communities tab
3. Search for "Student Wellbeing"
4. Enrol into the module called Student Wellbeing
5. The Student Wellbeing community should now be added to your communities.
You can also access the module by following the course link from our launch newsletter here. If you have any questions about this please contact Rachel Simpson (Project Officer for Student Mental Health).
Togetherall is a 24/7 online global community, where individuals can access support from trained professionals. You can use Togetherall as a safe space online to get things off your chest, explore your feelings, get creative and learn how to self-manage your mental health and wellbeing.
You are anonymous to other members in the community, and your personal information is kept secure while you are on the site (see Togetherall’s privacy statement).
See the video below from Togetherall for an overview of what the service can provide:
To join, simply go to www.Togetherall.com and sign up under ‘organisation’ with your academic e-mail address.
The GCU Wellbeing Team has worked with the Sir Alex Ferguson Library to create a GCU wellbeing resource list.
The list has books and ebooks which are available online, alongside videos and other resources.
The Sir Alex Ferguson Library have also collated resources in how to enhance your wellbeing during lockdown, including digital resources to learn something new, exploring nature, being creative, and more. You can find these resources at their Wellbeing in Lockdown Page.
Please find some tailoured resources below for support during COVID-19:
Exacta Print: community support list (this list has local groups for Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen, Stirling, Lanarkshire, Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire, Lothian, Falkirk, Argyll and Bute, the Highlands, Moray, Ayrshire, the Borders, Aberdeenshire and more.) The list is continually updated.
Additionally, we know that for those members of our University community who already have health anxiety, this may be a particularly challenging time. Please find some resources below for specific support for health anxiety and pandemics:
Support for people affected by other people’s gambling:
Family Support
Breathing and Muscle Relaxation Exercises
Relaxation techniques like controlled breathing and muscle relaxation can be useful tools for feeling calmer quickly and reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. The Samartans have online breathing and muscle relaxation exercises on youtube.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
The Wise Group are providing free group CBT Sessions with a rolling programme covering different themes. Find out more and sign up at their website.
Mindfulness
GCU The Arc online classes
Physical Activity has been linked with enhancing your mental health and wellbeing. Instructors from the Arc are posting daily workouts and streaming free pilates and yoga classes. To watch the daily workouts and to access the pilates and yoga classes, visit the Arc's Facebook page, and email Arc@GCU.ac.uk.
Healthcare Workers Wellbeing Course
Nothingham University have developed a course which focuses on the Psychological Wellbeing for Healthcare workers throughout Covid-19.
Apps
Podcasts
GCU Common Good Podcast
The Scottish Government have announced a dedicated support phone line open 24 hours a day seven days a week for all health and social care workers and the number is: 0800 111 4191. This in addition to their dedicated support hub.
Self care
Relaxation
Getting active
Mindfulness
Human connection
Autism - 'The world needs all kinds of minds'