Mental health is equally important as our physical health but there is a deep-rooted stigma attached to how we feel about certain things. Everybody operates differently, each individual has their own sets of stress factors to deal with, some don’t even realise they need coping skills to de-stress themselves.
Talking and having mindful conversations about how you feel can help you to reflect and raise your self-awareness. DUSA along with Speak-easy (an informal support group) is coming up with weekly sessions to provide an open space for opening up, sharing, listening or just being present for others.
Vision & Purpose of Speak-easy:
The support group is a student and staff volunteer lead initiative that provides community members (both students and staff) with a safe, confidential and informal space that encourages but does not pressure members to speak about their mental health.
The volunteers get trained to facilitate the sessions on a rotational basis and offer participants guidance to seek further help with their mental health if so desired/needed. It is a project that aims to fill the gap between not seeking help and seeking professional help, which can sometimes be daunting. The support group seeks to connect and de-isolate members from their communities and promote a positive outlook on the future.
The Format of Speak-easy Sessions:
Have a nice chat, and reconnect with others over a cup of tea/coffee. Share how you’re doing at the moment. This group is not a therapy or counselling service, it is simply a space for you to share anything you would like to and to seek guidance for your mental health journey if desired.
Remember, no struggles are too small to be shared with others! Your struggles are valid no matter how many people have them worse than you! Having such open conversations help us to realise that we are not alone and help is available. Here are a few things to expect:
> Active Listening
> Confidentiality, Disclosures and Procedures
> Sign Posting Package
> Safe Talk
Some Frequently Asked Questions:
Where do the sessions take place?
-Face-to-face sessions will occur in 1 Cross Row (top floor, left), across from the library.
How many people will attend a session?
-The face-to-face sessions will welcome 6 persons for the moment.
Do I need to sign-up for the session in advance?
– Free sign-up sheets will be made available in advance on our socials. However, drop-ins are welcome, provided that the maximum capacity of the session hasn’t been reached yet.
Who will the sessions be led by?
-Each session will be led by two trained students or staff volunteers.
Do I need to share something if I come to one of the sessions?
-No, participation is totally voluntary, the support group is an informal and safe space where you will not be pressured to share anything.
Can I seek help without coming to the support group?
-You can send an email to speakeasy@dusa.co.uk.
Upcoming Schedule:
We plan to start weekly Speak-easy sessions for students at Cross Row:
13th Feb – 5:30pm to 7pm – REGISTER HERE
20th Feb – 5:30pm to 7pm – REGISTER HERE
Priyanka is a passionate blogger studying MSc in Digital Marketing and Social Media Management at the University of Dundee.
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