Reasons to be more Active 

• Sharper memory & better grades 

Adrenalin flows through your blood stream during exercise which makes you more alert and focussed whilst improving your attention and concentration span. Immediately after taking part in physical activity, your brain is better at accomplishing tasks and resisting distractions.  We therefore recommend partaking in exercise before sitting an exam or having an interview. 

• Improve Mood

Dopamine is the “motivation” and “reward” brain chemical. Without enough dopamine, you probably wouldn’t feel like getting off the sofa or doing much of anything. People who are depressed typically have a low Dopamine level. The fact that exercise boosts the release of dopamine and adrenalin partially explains why exercise is a natural mood lifting antidepressant. 

• Improve sleep 

Exercising can increase sleep quality by reducing sleep onset – or the time it takes to fall asleep – and decrease the amount of time spent lying awake in bed during the night. Even short bursts of exercise in the morning or afternoon can help regulate your sleep patterns. If you prefer to exercise at night, relaxing exercises such as yoga or gentle stretching can help promote sleep. 

Active Hud Opportunities 

Build some Physical Activity into your student life routine with some of our activity offers:

• Active Wellbeing  
  Free group exercise classes designed to engage with students who are new to exercise. Sessions include Yoga, Tai Chi & Kung Fu.
• Active Support Schemes  
  Programmes that have been developed to remove barriers to exercise and increase physical activity engagement amongst specific target groups. Check out the Active Wellbeing section on our website for more information. 
• Social Sport 
  Over 20 FREE social activity sessions which offer fun and enjoyment in a relaxed environment. Take part in a team game of Futsal or fly solo with Table Tennis or Badminton. 
• Gym, Swim & Class membership with annual, monthly or pay as you go offers across  Kirklees Active Leisure (KAL) sites and the University’s facilities in Student Central.  

https://active.hud.ac.uk/ 

The Students' Union also has over 120 Sports Clubs and Societies to join, find out more here: Get Involved @ Huddersfield Students' Union (huddersfieldsu.co.uk)

Ease Your Mind is a project that started in 2018, we've produced an Ease Your Mind handbook which is full of tips and useful information and fun activities to help you on the path to feeling better. Browse the book below to have a look through the pages, or you can download a copy of our Ease Your Mind book or visit our Advice Centre to take one home!

The booklet is not intended as a sole resource for anyone experiencing significant mental illness. If you believe you are suffering a mental illness, we strongly urge you to see professional assistance. The Ease Your Mind booklet is not a replacement for professional treatment.

Sometimes you just need someone to talk to, and we want to make sure there’s someone here to listen. That’s why we opened the Peer Supporters Service!

This is a confidential service run by students and for students, giving you the chance to sit down and have a chat when you need to (cup of tea optional).

You can connect with us virtually or in person, the peer supporters service is located right outside the Advice Centre in a purpose built area which is quiet and relaxing.

To connect with us, you can book an appointment either face to face, or virtually by clicking here: MS Teams., or you can message a peer listener via email or teams here: peerlistening@hud.ac.uk

The charity ‘student minds’ have developed this innovative and engaging workshop which helps to empower students to support friends experiencing mental health difficulties, whilst looking after their own wellbeing.

For students, navigating university life can be tricky at times and we know how important it is for an individual to reach out to their friends in times of need. We want students to have the knowledge , confidence and skills to support their friends and feel comfortable confiding in each other.

The SU are running this workshop on behalf of student minds, where you will develop essential life skills in listening, communicating, motivating and boundary setting.

https://www.huddersfieldsu.co.uk/events?event_type=workshops-training&search=

If you have been affected by sexual violence at any time in your life you can access support from our advice centre who have specialist independent sexual violence advisors ISVA’s in to support you every Thursday.

This is a drop-in service launched in partnership RASAC Kirklees, Calderdale & Wakefield Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre to provide independent support and advice to our student survivors.

The Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Drop Ins are for any students who have suffered from sexual violence and want further information or support. ISVA’s can offer emotional support, advice around the criminal justice system and reporting, practical support such as housing, finances, education or support by signposting and offering information on other agencies.

Bookings can be made in person, online and via telephone

https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/RASACSexualViolenceSupportService@hudac.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/

For further information on RASAC visit https://www.kcrasac.co.uk/

Or ring them on: 0300 303 4787

If you need support when the RASAC helpline is closed you can call Rape Crisis England and Wales on 0808 802 9999, they are open every day of the year. If you need urgent help or you have concerns about someone else’s immediate safety, please contact the emergency services on 999.

What to do if you think you are being bullied

In considering what may or may not be bullying, discrimination and/or harassment the University uses the test of 'reasonableness': would a reasonable person in possession of the same information feel that the allegedf conduct or behvaviour constituted harassment?

You can also speak to one of the University's Harassment Advisers. A Harassment Adviser can offer support and information relating to harassment and bulling, explain the information and formal procedures undeer the Equality and Diversity in Teaching Policy and discuss what options are available to you. A Harassment Adviser can also make a referral to the University Conciliation Service.

What can the Advice Centre do to help?

There are a range of ways that we can support you through the process. An adviser can:

• Explain the full process to you and guide you through the stages
• Review any draft statements that you prepare and offer suggestions
• Accompany you to any meetings to provide support.
• Monitor the progress of your complaint.
• Advise you on how to collate appropriate evidence to support your case.