World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is being marked by the University on Thursday 9th October 2025.
UWS & World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is being marked by the University on Thursday 9th October 2025. UWS is helping to raise awareness and start conversations about mental health. The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is committed to providing our staff and students with a supportive and inclusive environment. This year teams across the university are joining forces to host a series of activities that aim to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote wellbeing for both students and staff.
Wellbeing Stalls
Wellbeing Stalls will be available at Paisley, Lanarkshire, Ayr and Dumfries campuses from 11am to 2pm on Thursday 9th October.
Visit our Wellbeing Stalls for an opportunity to explore the many ways we support mental health and wellness at UWS.
Whether you’re looking for guidance on managing academic or work stress, seeking mental health resources, or simply want to learn more about what’s available at UWS, please come along and chat.
Find us at:
- The Hub on Paisley campus
- Next to the Library in Lanarkshire
- The Atrium on Ayr Campus
- The Reception area on Dumfries Campus*
*Dumfries campus students will be invited to take part on an on-campus wellbeing wishes envelop exchange.
Wellbeing Cycle Rides
Staff and students are encouraged to take a break and recharge with a relaxing wellbeing cycle.
Our led rides are relaxed, easy-going group cycles designed to help you enjoy the local ride opportunities, meet new people, and take a break from your day.
Each ride lasts around 45 minutes with bikes and helmets provided for free.
Ayr Campus
- Wednesday 22nd October - 1.30 to 2.30pm
- Wednesday 19th November - 2 to 3pm
Paisley Campus
- Thursday 9th October - 1 to 2pm
- Wednesday 5th November - 2 to 3pm
Free UWS Sport Fitness Consultation
Free fitness consultations are available for students and staff.
Students and staff can drop into any UWS operated gym for a free fitness consultation. Contact your local campus gym to pre-book your free consultation.
Our friendly team will guide you through three simple checks to assess your - weight, BMI and body fat percentage. You’ll get personalised advice to help you kickstart your fitness journey and boost your wellbeing. And don’t forget – all UWS students and staff get free gym access across our Scottish campuses to support your physical and mental wellbeing.
Join UWS Gym
Brodies Bikes 200 Mile Challenge
Help us celebrate World Mental Health Day by taking part in our Brodie's Bike fundraiser. The fundraiser will take place in Paisley Hub during World Mental Health Day.
Help us reach our target of cycling 200 miles on our static bikes. If you are not able to take part on the day, you can also help by donating via Go Fund Me (Fundraiser by UWS Residences: Fund Brodie's Bike Project (Fundraiser by UWS Residences: Fund Brodie's Bike Project) or text BRODIE to 70480 to donate £3.
About Brodie Eaton
The Brodie’s Bike Project was set up in memory of UWS student, Brodie Eaton, who passed away in 2016. Brodie loved to cycle, and his family donated the first bikes and equipment to enable UWS students staying in the residences access to a bike on a short loan basis.
The Brodie’s Bike Project has now expanded to a fleet of over 20 bikes across our 2 residences. Use the bikes as many times as you like to get around, keep fit and improve your mental health.
Online Session for Students
Confidence and Wellbeing for Different Minds: Learning to value neurodiversity and find the support that helps you thrive
As part of our World Mental Health Day 2025 events at the University of the West of Scotland, we are offering this special session on neurodiversity and wellbeing.
Being neurodiverse can shape the way we learn, connect, and see the world. It can also impact confidence and self-worth — especially if diagnosis or self-understanding comes later in life.
This 1-hour session explores how neurodiversity (including dyslexia, ADHD, autism, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, Tourette syndrome and more) influences wellbeing. We’ll look at common challenges, the impact of not knowing during childhood, and practical strategies to build confidence, celebrate strengths, and support yourself as an adult learner. The session will also introduce the support services and assistive technology available at the university, with input from the UWS Disability, Academic Skills, and Counselling & Wellbeing teams.
Whether you have a diagnosis, identify as neurodiverse, or are simply curious to discover how learning about your own unique mind can help you to thrive, all are welcome. Come along to learn, reflect, and take away tools to support your wellbeing.
Student Mental Health Agreement
As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting student wellbeing, UWS student wellbeing service is proud to work in partnership with the Students’ Union and NUS Scotland’s Think Positive Project on our Student Mental Health Agreement (SMHA). This agreement sets out how we will work in partnership with our students to promote positive mental health, provide accessible support, and create an inclusive community.
Get Involved!
If you are a student and would like to get involved please contact The Union Vice President of Welfare and Wellbeing, Shahan Nazir.
Reading for Wellbeing at UWS Library
Discover a wide variety of self-help library books at the Paisley, Lanarkshire, Ayr, Dumfries, and London campuses designed to support your wellbeing. To mark World Mental Health Day, our libraries will be offering a fun mindfulness colouring activity on Thursday 9th October to help you de-stress and focus on self-care.
On Paisley Campus, visit our Wellbeing Stall to try out the Therapy Lamp, which is designed to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder. The special lamp mimics natural sunlight to help boost your mood by increasing serotonin levels to help you feel more energised during the darker winter days.
The lamp will soon be available in Paisley Campus Library for regular use, so you can enjoy its benefits whenever you need a pick-me-up this winter.
External Partners
This year, we are excited to announce that we will also be hosting key external organisations. Find our external organisations next to our Wellbeing Stalls.
PAPYRUS
Prevention of Young Suicide is a UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people. We will have member of staff providing information and support.
Samaritans
Samaritans is a charity that provides emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide in the United Kingdom. One of the staff members will be joining us to share resources and talk about the charity's work.