Student Wellbeing At Leeds

Over the last 10 years, the demand for Student Counselling and Wellbeing services at Leeds has increased by 10% annually – and jumped by 35% during the cost-of-living crisis. Formed in 2014 to run alongside traditional services, the Lifestyle and Wellbeing Programme takes a holistic approach to wellbeing, looking at physical activity, stress, sleep, nutrition and routine for each client over a 12-week period. 

After she was assaulted in 2023, student Natalie* suffered severe anxiety.

She avoided leaving the house – particularly at night – and would catch taxis when she needed to travel. 

“That was particularly hard with my course,” says Natalie*. “I had a lot of contact hours and needed to attend placements, but each trip was a challenge. I stopped exercising – I used to enjoy yoga and judo – and avoided social events. I had trouble sleeping and lost my appetite. My whole life changed.”  

Natalie* attended student counselling, and was referred to the donor-supported Lifestyle and Wellbeing Programme, which offers an alternative solution to traditional counselling.

“ I met with my wellbeing consultant and together we put a plan in place which started with home workouts and assisted walks. Soon I was attending the gym and walking in the dark again. When I was finding it hard, my wellbeing consultant reminded me of how far I had come from the first meeting."  

Research shows that these physical, nutritional, psychological and recreational interventions positively impact people's sense of wellbeing. Improved wellbeing helps to increase academic performance, feelings of self-efficacy, sense of belonging and personal development.

At the end of the 12-week Lifestyle and Wellbeing Programme, each individual is empowered to continue making positive choices to support their health and wellbeing. For Natalie*, that meant keeping up with her trips to the gym, continuing with her new routine, and eventually returning to the things she loves.

"I think the programme is vital for people like me, I have not regained all of my confidence, but I am well on the way to doing so."

The programme would not be able to support students like Natalie* without the help of our donor community, whose kind and generous gifts have a transformational impact on their lives.