University Campus Suffolk to host ‘mental health at Christmas’ awareness event
Academics from BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing at University Campus Suffolk (UCS) are organising a series of micro-lectures around the promotion of mental health during the festive season.
Facilitated by a course staff, nursing students and voluntary organisations the sessions are free and open to the public and will take place on Thursday 17 December.
Paul Driscoll-Evans, Head of Nursing Studies at UCS, says “Loneliness can affect any of us at any time but, for some, it can be particularly keenly felt at Christmas. Age UK Suffolk predicts that 15,000 older people in Suffolk can go a month without speaking to a friend, family member or neighbour; with many studies recognising the impact this can have on mental and physical health.”
“In recognition of this the UCS Nursing Department will be running a health campaign with the strapline “Branch out this Christmas- Make a Connection” focusing on the issue of loneliness over the festive period and its impact on mental health. This will culminate in day of activities promoting strategies to enhance mental health and well-being during the festive season. Mental Health Nursing staff and students will be leading the activities with Age UK, Stepping Stones, Autism Anglia, Live Well Suffolk, The Befriending Scheme and the Rural Coffee Caravan all contributing.”
The event will take place in Theta Café in the UCS Waterfront Building in Ipswich between 10am-2pm on the 17th December.
If you would like to attend the sessions please contact Sarah Simpson ([email protected])
