A Student Ambassador from Arts University Bournemouth has taken part in a new campaign by Public Health Dorset designed to tackle loneliness across the region and highlight support services available to all Dorset residents.
Erin, who is a Community Champion at AUB, has written a blog piece around loneliness for the campaign, which was a part of Mental Health Awareness Week. In the post, Erin encourages those struggling with loneliness to consider taking up new activities, reigniting friendships and conversations and learning to enjoy your own company.
The Community Champion, who uses her role at AUB to welcome new students and support existing ones, also signposts a range of services available to people struggling with loneliness. You can read Erin’s blog post here.
AUB’s work with Public Health Dorset has grown as a result of the pandemic, whereby AUB and partner universities including AECC University College and Bournemouth University collaborated to protect their communities and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The universities have also worked with the public health organisation on a new joint Suicide Prevention Strategy, which includes a focus on areas of surveillance, bereavement support, communications and media, skills and training, lived-experience and Community and Partnership Groups.
Carrie Packer, Senior Student Services Officer at AUB, said: “We know that leaving home and living on your own and with new people for the first time is a big lifestyle change, which brings with it lots of exciting opportunities, and new challenges too. The importance of good mental health cannot be underestimated, and learning ways that we can all support our mental health is crucial.”
She added: “At AUB, we're working with a number of partner institutions and organisations like Public Health Dorset, to help raise awareness and highlight support that's available in the local area.”
In recent years, AUB has renewed a firm commitment towards its mental health provision for staff and students, employing a dedicated Staff Wellbeing Counsellor and per student, training the highest number of Mental Health First Aid trained university staff in the country.
