Managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges is crucial to a successful university experience, and a key university priority.

The University of Cambridge’s Student Wellbeing pages contain a wealth of information covering everything concerning student wellbeing including:

  • College pastoral support
  • University and other support
  • the NHS and healthcare
  • personal safety and travel
  • equality, diversity and inclusion
  • helpful contacts and resources
  • information for parents and undergraduate

Sidney puts a strong focus on mindfulness, and we are always exploring innovative ways to continue to offer students advice and practical coping strategies. Examples include yoga, art therapy sessions and chocolate-making workshops during the exam period.

Wellbeing events in Easter Term

Our Wellbeing events and courses are provided free to Sidney students.

Emotional Freedom Technique

Tapping is a mind-body method of tapping acupuncture points on the hands, face and body with your fingertips, while focusing on an issue or feeling you're hoping to resolve. This method may reduce anxiety, improve performance, lessen cravings and help resolve fears.

When? Starting 15 May, then every Monday from 3pm - 4pm

Where? 15 May - Chapel Court 2; 22 May - Jesus Lane Room 22 (right at the top of Jesus Lane); 29 May and 5 June - Old Library; 12 June - Jesus Lane Room 22.

How do I book? Email Jen@JenShackleton.co.uk

Art Therapy, with Lesley Pemberton

Limited to 10 spaces, booking essential.

When? We have arranged two Introductory sessions on 2 May, at 6.30pm and 7.45pm. The classes will then be at 6.30pm every Tuesday.

Where? Chapel Court 2

How do I book? Please email Danni - studentwellbeing@sid.cam.ac.uk 

Positive Thinking and Meditation, with lnnerSpace

Improve concentration, decrease stress. Learn more about positive psychology & re-discover your inner peace and joy. 

When? 1.15pm-2pm, starting on Wednesday 3 May

Where? The Old Library

How do I book? Please email Danni - studentwellbeing@sid.cam.ac.uk 

Penny for your thoughts (it's ok not to be ok)

A safe, non-judgemental, friendly, confidential space supporting a group of students to talk/listen/share/connect/feel less alone about what is going on for them. Led by Kristina, Integrative Psychotherapist MA (Cantab) DipCouns MBAC

When? 3pm-4pm, starting on 4 May

Where? Via Zoom

How do I book? There is no need to book for this session - the Zoom link will be emailed to all students the day before the class.

Yoga in the Sidney Chapel

 

Counselling

University Counselling Service (UCS) is available to all undergraduate students in residence and graduate students on the register. They offer one to one counselling and different therapeutic groups. All are accessed on a self-referral basis.

How do I make an appointment?

Many people sort out problems by talking to friends, family or staff in their College or Department.  Sometimes looking up some information about things that are concerning students is helpful and UCS has a large selection of self-help information available on their website.  However, there are times when this is not enough and students may wish to speak to the College-based Counsellor in a private setting in College.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness sessions are offered both in College and at the University Counselling Service.

Mindfulness at Cam offer classes open to all students, focusing on building insight and resilience in different areas of the student experience and are run throughout each of the three Cambridge terms.

Student Minds Cambridge

Student Minds Cambridge have designed an excellent Student Support Guide to help students find the support services available.

External resources and help

Cambridge and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust is the local mental health trust here in Cambridge. They offer various psychological therapies and support for anyone struggling with their mental health.

Inner space is a meditation centre opposite King's College - they run daily lunch time meditations for free.

All students are required to register with a local doctor's surgery during their studies. The GP can act as a vital support for students who need a more medical intervention.

Samaritans and Nightline are two confidential phone lines that people can use to speak to someone when they need a listening ear.