As the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week this year is community, Riya one of our Student Mental Health Champions shares how being a part of this community and beyond at NTU has had a big impact on her mental health

Written by Riya Rajani, MSc Project Management Student

As a postgraduate student, balancing studies, responsibilities, and personal wellbeing has not always been easy. But being part of a community that truly values mental health has made a real difference to my experience at university.

I became a Student Mental Health Champion because I care deeply about wellbeing and wanted to be part of something that helps others. I did not expect just how much the role would also support my own mental health in return.

Throughout my time in this role, I have been involved in a range of events and activities. From leading mental health picnics and wellbeing walks to supporting global lunches at the NTU Global Lounge and helping to run a Climate Café during Sustainability Week, these moments have helped me feel more connected. There is something really special about creating safe, inclusive spaces where people from different backgrounds can come together and feel like they belong. These events might seem small on the surface, but they create a real sense of connection and care.

Alongside this, I also completed the #Me Mental Health and Wellbeing course – a twelve-week programme that focused on building confidence, emotional resilience, and communication skills. It gave me a space to reflect, connect with others, and grow both personally and emotionally. The experience helped me feel more grounded and better equipped to support myself and those around me.

Another community that has had a huge impact on me is Enactus NTU. I joined Enactus because I was passionate about making a difference, but I had no idea just how empowering and supportive the team would be. Being surrounded by like-minded students who are driven to create positive social change gave me a renewed sense of purpose. Working on real-world projects that support vulnerable communities, while developing skills in leadership, teamwork, and empathy, was incredibly fulfilling. It also helped me grow in confidence and showed me how social action can be deeply connected to personal wellbeing.

Being part of the Student Mental Health Champion community has taught me the value of peer support. It is not about having all the answers, but about being present, listening, and signposting when someone needs help. Even small acts of kindness, like checking in with someone or simply listening, can make a big difference.

Community, for me, is not just about organised events or official roles. It is about the feeling of belonging, the chance to be heard, and the comfort of knowing you are not alone. Through this role, I have built meaningful friendships, grown in confidence, and felt part of something bigger than myself.

If I could share one message, it would be this: you do not have to face things alone. Whether through a student group, a wellbeing activity, or a simple conversation, there are so many ways to connect. Sometimes, getting involved in something small can lead to the most meaningful experiences.

Exploring Community at NTU: Opportunities to Connect, Contribute and Grow

One of the most important lessons I have learned through this journey is that community is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It can take many different forms, and NTU offers a wide variety of opportunities for students to find connection, purpose, and support.

Students can begin by engaging with NTU’s societies and student groups, which span interests across culture, sport, advocacy, identity, and hobbies. Whether you are passionate about sustainability, mental health, heritage, literature, or even niche interests, these groups provide a meaningful space to meet like-minded peers and build long-term friendships.

For those who enjoy contributing to causes beyond the university, volunteering through NTU’s Centre for Student and Community Engagement (CenSCE) allows students to get involved in impactful work across Nottingham. This includes supporting local schools, charities, environmental projects, and social campaigns. Volunteering has the power not only to strengthen the wider community but also to help students build confidence, compassion, and resilience.

Another powerful space for connection is the NTU Global Lounge, which regularly hosts cultural lunches, international socials, and themed events that bring together students from all backgrounds. Participating in these spaces has shown me how valuable it is to celebrate diversity and learn from others. The environment is inclusive, uplifting, and genuinely community centred.

For those seeking more reflective and wellbeing-focused environments, Healthy NTU and Student Support Services offer regular events and activities to support mental health. These include wellbeing walks, mindfulness sessions, therapy dog visits and creative activities. These activities provide a calm, welcoming setting where students can prioritise their mental wellbeing while meeting others who value the same.

Students can also contribute more formally through leadership and ambassador roles, such as becoming a Student Mental Health Champion, a Student Mentor, or an Academic Course Representative. These positions allow you to play an active part in shaping the NTU student experience while developing key skills in communication, empathy, and leadership.

Finally, groups such as Enactus NTU offer a unique opportunity to lead social enterprise projects that address real-world challenges. Being part of this network has allowed me to make a positive impact while growing both personally and professionally. Enactus helped me feel empowered, driven, and surrounded by others who genuinely want to make the world a better place.

There is no one “right” way to build community. Whether through a single conversation, a student group, a volunteering experience, or a new initiative, every action counts. For anyone who might be feeling uncertain or disconnected, I would encourage you to take that first step. NTU has created a campus culture that makes it possible for every student to find their people, support their wellbeing, and grow into the version of themselves they are most proud of.

For help, advice and resources whilst studying at NTU, take a look at the following for sources of support.
Support from NTU
Self-Care books in NTU’s libraries
Silvercloud: SilverCloud is our online system designed to help with a range of mental health issues.
Health and Wellbeing resources
NTSU Information and Advice service
Wellness in Mind: Advice and support for anyone in Nottingham experiencing issues with their mental wellbeing
Student Minds or Student Space
10 Keys to happiness
Mind
Papyrus
CALM