The British Inspiration Trust (BRIT) exists to support and improve the mental health, wellbeing and fitness of Further and Higher Education students and staff across the UK.
The BRIT Challenge is an annual event to get more people in Higher Education talking about mental health and wellbeing. It encourages everyone in this arena to work together and make this a priority focus. Many physical and wellbeing activities are being promoted from 1 - 24 of March across our Burnley, Preston and Westlakes campuses to support the BRIT Challenge.
Activities
The activities involve the 3 elements of the challenge: mental wellbeing, physical wellbeing, and kindness to the self and others.
Many activities are based around the number 24 to reflect the year. The three elements of mental wellbeing, physical wellbeing and kindness are represented by the colours red, white, and blue. This is because it is an Olympic and Paralympic Games year, which will be hosted in Paris this summer.
As part of the BRIT Challenge, UCLan is participating in collective activity with other North West universities and colleges. This involves a simultaneous Boccia event on Thursday 14 March to coincide with University Mental Health Day. This is an inclusive Paralympic activity. It will occur on all three of our campuses 2-4pm (more details will follow).
How do I participate in the challenge?
Aim to do something everyday across the 24 days to look after your wellbeing.
We have constructed a calendar of potential ideas around the 3 themes of mental wellbeing, physical wellbeing, and kindness to yourself and others.
What you do is up to you. Challenge yourself at your own level and your own pace. Choose to do at least one thing each day. You could concentrate on one theme, mix and match or do all three. It’s up to you.
Complete one or complete them all - it's your challenge.
Don't forget to send your pictures in to moves@uclan.ac.uk
Prizes to be won
Everyone that joins any of the physical challenges on the UCLan Moves App will automatically be entered into the prize draw. If you enter multiple challenges, you will have more chances to win. All we ask for those undertaking any wellbeing activities or acts of kindness, is that you email the detail to us at moves@uclan.ac.uk
Raising Awareness and Support
Research informs us that physical activity and other wellbeing activities can improve our mental health. However, nobody is immune from facing mental health challenges.
When mental health difficulties feel particularly challenging, people can have thoughts of suicide. As a suicide safer university, UCLan strive to break down the barriers and stigma that prevent people reaching out for support.
If you need support for your mental health and wellbeing whilst studying at UCLan, you can access this by:
- Attending a drop in.
- Referring yourself for support by phone or email.
- Speaking with academic staff about any challenges, so they could refer you.
- Raising the alarm in a mental health emergency.
- Developing your own mental health and wellbeing toolkit.
