Bournemouth Uni opens new dedicated support service Uni Retreat for struggling students

A brand new mental health centre has opened up on Bournemouth University’s Talbot Campus, just for students. The University Retreat is a chill-out zone that’s been specifically designed for students from BU, Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) and AECC University College to get support whenever they need it. If you’re feeling the strain, this is the place to come and hang out – it’s a safe and welcoming environment that’s all about helping students to manage their mental health.

Operated by BCHA and run by volunteers, the University Retreat is staffed by a team of mental health professionals who are on hand to offer one-to-one and crisis support. There’s also a range of activities on offer in a shared space that you can use whenever you need a quiet moment to yourself with the whole initiative being funded by NHS Dorset.

The University Retreat was officially opened at a launch event, with staff from all four organisations, as well as NHS colleagues, invited to check out the new space. The Vice-Chancellors and other key players were also on hand to reflect on the important role the facility will play alongside the range of wellbeing services offered by universities in the area.

Kerry-Ann Randle, Head of Student Support and Wellbeing at Bournemouth University, said: “We want to do all we can to help students to thrive while they are with us, and that includes promoting positive mental health, and helping to support students’ mental health, especially when they experience difficulty or feel like they are approaching crisis.”

Heidi Cooper-Hind, Director of Student Experience and Employability at AUB, added: “The University Retreat will build on AUB’s existing support services and will become an invaluable asset to Bournemouth’s students, many of whom experience mental ill health and seek help and guidance for mental health support.”

If you’re in need of a breather, head down to the University Retreat on BU’s Talbot Campus. You’ll find it in Tolpuddle Annex 2, and it’s open to any university student from 2pm-9pm Monday-Saturday. The scheme will initially run until 2024.

More information about The University Retreat can be found on the BU website.

Featured image via Bournemouth University.

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