Smile and Breathe Week at Hull College is fast approaching!

Starting on Monday 18th October, the week will see five days of themed lessons and activities within the college to promote positive mental health and wellbeing.

Mental health is everyone’s business. Mental health conditions can have a substantial effect on all areas of life, such as school or work performance, relationships with family and friends and the ability to participate in the community. 

Some people call mental health ‘emotional health’ or ‘wellbeing’ and it’s just as important as good physical health. When we feel mentally well, we can work productively, enjoy our free time, and contribute actively to our communities.

While our curriculum teams will embed and organise local activities within their teaching throughout the week, there will also be a number of centralised activities to support our students and staff. These include…

Random Act of Kindness (RAK) Day – Monday 18th October 
To kick start Smile and Breathe Week, we are challenging all staff and learners to complete random acts of kindness throughout the day on Monday 18th October. A random act of kindness is a non-premeditated, inconsistent action designed to offer kindness towards the outside world.

As a result of the challenges brought about due to the COVID-19 pandemic, now more than ever is a time to be kind. Doing a kind act for another person can increase the sense of feeling connected to another person, which in turn helps people see the worth and value in their own lives. Being kind to others can also go a long way towards improving your own emotional wellbeing.

Adventure Man – Monday 18th October & Tuesday 19th October
Motivational Speaker. Adventurer. Author. Record Breaker. Fundraiser. Superhero. Jamie McDonald.

We are delighted to be welcoming Adventure Man – real name Jamie McDonald – to Hull College to speak to both students and staff. Pride of Britain winner Jamie is unique in his ability to keep going, even when times are tough. In fact, since defying the odds to beat a rare spinal condition called syringomyelia, he’s proved it beyond all doubt, twice breaking two of the toughest endurance Guinness World Records on the planet in the process. If anybody holds the secret to never giving up, it’s him.

Yada Yada Noise Spoken Word Open Mic Night - Tuesday 19th October
YADA YADA NOISE is hosting a Spoken Word Open Mic Night, which will take place at the Institute of Arts on Tuesday 19th October (6:30pm – 8:30pm). Slots are open to Hull College students, staff and alumni, with friends, family and the general public also welcome to join the audience. Anyone interested in booking a slot should send an email to hello@yada-yada-noise.com for further details and information.

Wellbeing Breakfast – Thursday 21st October 
The Hull College Counselling service are hosting a well-being breakfast in the Student Union space on the second floor in Chester’s reception. Learners will have the opportunity to grab some breakfast delights while also engaging with some of our internal and external mental health services. Our support dog Angel will also be on hand for both students and staff to meet her. This event will run from: 8:30am until 11am.

The wellbeing of our students is very important to us, which is why we offer a free and confidential service to all Hull College students should you need to talk about mental health, stress or any other issues affecting you - whether it’s a personal problem or college-related. If it’s bothering you, our team is here to help. To find out more about our counselling service, or to make an appointment, please email listen@hull-college.ac.uk or text 07860023367 and a member of our team will be in touch as soon as possible.