Written by Ozcan Inanli, MA Education Year 2

It has been a privilege and honour to be a HealthyNTU Champion helping to raise awareness of mental health. Mental health is an ongoing challenge not just nationally but internationally. Being able to thoroughly help with the creation and assistance of activities such as the nature walks, picnics, therapy dogs, and content creation have developed my confidence, and high satisfaction in making a positive difference to the wider community. Being a HealthyNTU Champion is a very rewarding experience, meeting like-minded people who are kind, empathetic and warm. No day is ever the same! Chatting with students in a very comfortable, warm setting in The Den and the Global Lounges are thoroughly enjoyable to learn about their experiences, and to be a listening ear. In today’s world, active listening is lost, and as HealthyNTU Champion, we make a big difference to listen, empathise fully, as well as signpost students to relevant services. Moreover, showcasing our presence at different events and around the campuses makes a big difference to bring about positive change for future generations.

One of my favourite parts of being a HealthyNTU Champion has been writing blogs because it enables me to express myself clearly and share my experiences comfortably to help others to know that they are not alone in how they are feeling. I am grateful to have been part of a wonderful community who deeply care and support you in your journey. Every time I feel happy to see each person’s journey and how they have progressed both personally and professionally. It is inspiring to see the developments we have made throughout our time at university, and this enables further growth in each person’s endeavours.

Another highlight of my time as HealthyNTU Champion is participating in crafternoon sessions such as colouring, making zines (small handmade magazines) and painting, which have been very therapeutic. Additionally, assisting with the therapy dogs (Paddy and Gunnie) have brought calmness and revitalised me.

I have had the honour to help be part of raising men’s mental health, which is an ongoing struggle universally based on social stigmas of how one should behave in society. We are helping to encourage males to open up about their struggles in a supportive and gradual way. We may have a long way to go because of how ingrained it is for us males to hide how we feel and internalise our struggles. Nonetheless, being an advocate for challenging and rejecting norms such as having a brave face and soldering on when it gets tough by sharing my struggles and helping other males to share how they feel in a supportive, non-judgemental environment.

We as a society can help continue to bring about positive change, but only if we stand together and encourage people to express themselves in their own unique way and reach out for support. A lot of people universally have grown up feeling invalidated, or that struggles should be hidden. We as HealthyNTU Champions and as a society can help change this mindset with encouraging people to express how they are feeling in the moment and that their feelings are validated. We may be from different cultural backgrounds and have different experiences, nonetheless, we are more alike than we think, and we thrive on connection. We all need some support, and that is nothing to be ashamed of.

Overall, I feel I have made a positive difference to both the university and the wider community. I highly recommend becoming a HealthyNTU Champion as you can help make a positive difference, and join a fabulous team in promoting and raising awareness of mental health 😊

Applications to become a HealthyNTU Champion (previously Student Mental Health Champion) are now open. To find out more and to apply go to our HealthyNTU webpage.

For help, advice and resources whilst studying at NTU, take a look at the following for sources of support.
Support from NTU
HealthyNTU: Advice, tools and activities for your wellbeing
NTSU Information and Advice service
Nottinghamshire Talking Therapies: Support for your Mental Health in Nottingham
Student Minds 10 Keys to happiness
Mind
Papyrus