The ‘Take 5’ programme is a joint initiative between Active Lives and the Student Wellbeing service that helps to facilitate positive lifestyle changes by encouraging participants to be open minded and reflect on how engaging in physical activity can positively impact their mental wellbeing. Over the course of eight weeks, students will take part in engaging and supportive sessions designed to boost wellbeing. Guided by Student Wellbeing Advisors, participants will explore practical wellbeing strategies while enjoying a variety of fun, movement-based activities led by our Active Lives colleagues. Each week focuses on one of the five ways to better wellbeing, giving students the chance to learn, get active, and reflect on how the sessions positively impact their mood and overall wellbeing. The small group format, helped me make connections with others and stay connected, which has made me feel less lonely and isolated at University. Take 5 participant I found confidence and common interests with the others here, which gives me motivation to enhance exercise in the future. Take 5 participant How to Refer If you are interested in taking part in the next cohort of Take 5 please complete the self referral form below. Alternatively, you can ask a member of the Wellbeing Service or Res Life team to make the referral on your behalf.On receipt of a completed form a member of the Active Lives team will make contact directly with the student to connect and share more detailed information about the upcoming programme. Fill in a referral form Timetable - Semester 2 20266 spaces available per block. Week Date Workshop Time Activity Time Week 1 04/02/2026 Intro to programme 14:30 - 15:00 Feel Good Walk 15:00 - 16:00 Week 2 11/02/2026 Food & Mood Workshop 14:00 - 15:00 Litter Pick 15:00 - 16:00 Week 3 18/02/2026 Climbing Wall 15:00 - 16:00 Week 4 25/02/2026 Sleep Workshop 14:00 - 15:00 Boccia 15:00 - 16:00 Week 5 04/03/2026 Gym Session 15:00 - 16:00 Week 6 11/03/2026 5 ways to Wellbeing Workshop 14:00 - 15:00 Spin Class 15:00 - 16:00 Week 7 18/03/2026 Social Isolation Workshop 14:00 - 15:00 Pickleball 15:00 - 16:00 Week 8 25/03/2026 Big Dig Time TBC SAMH Materials and Resources Throughout the programme we will be working with Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) materials and resources.We all have mental health. And just like our physical health, need to look after it. By creating your own self-care plan, you can take proactive steps to looking after your mental health and wellbeing. Create your self-care plan today (external link) Mental health and Wellbeing Resources Helpful advice and support from other health and wellbeing services The Benefits of moving more, more often Find out more about how being physically active can benefit your mental health and wellbeing. Stay Active If you are unable to commit to a five week block but are interested in becoming more active, come along to one of our free Active Lives activities, on a campus near you. This article was published on 2025-01-22
