RGU Mental Health Report 2011
116
MENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN REPORT REVIEW 2010/11
description
Report documenting and evidencing the work carried out at Robert Gordon University through the Mental Health Campaign which has been driven through the partnership of the Union Sports Sabbatical, RGU: SPORT, Welfare Services and the students themselves.
Transcript of RGU Mental Health Report 2011
MENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN REPORT
REVIEW 2010/11
1. Abstract
The purpose of this report is to document and evidence the work
carried out at Robert Gordon University through the Mental Health
Campaign which has been driven through the partnership of the
Sports Sabbatical, RGU: SPORT, Welfare Services and the students
themselves.
This health campaign has been the main focal point of the year and
was encompassed in several full time staff members’ key objectives
for the year.
2. Acknowledgements
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Mental Health
Campaign committee without them all the good work that you are
about to read about would not have happened.
The VP team have also worked hard on putting on events and
running project to help the mental health campaign and I would like
to also thank them for their continued contribution and support.
Last but by no means least I would like to thank the RGU: SPORT
team for their support in running events and projects.
3. Contents 1. Abstract ..................................................................................................................................... 2
2. Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................... 3
3. Contents .................................................................................................................................... 4
4. Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 6
4.1 Mental Health .................................................................................................................... 6
4.2 Robert Gordon University (RGU) ........................................................................................ 6
4.3 RGU Union ............................................................................................................................... 8
5. Aim of the Campaign ............................................................................................................... 10
6. Application to the ‘Healthy Body, Healthy Minds’ .................................................................... 11
6.1 Supporting Statement ...................................................................................................... 11
7. Initial Involvement ................................................................................................................... 13
8. Raising Awareness ....................................................................................................................... 14
8.1 Awareness Talks .................................................................................................................... 14
8.2 Strategic Plan ......................................................................................................................... 14
8.3 Fresher’s Fayre ...................................................................................................................... 14
8.4 Union Wall Planner ................................................................................................................ 14
8.5 Naked Calendar ..................................................................................................................... 15
8.6 Campaign on Campus ............................................................................................................ 17
8.7 Video ..................................................................................................................................... 17
8.8 Facebook ............................................................................................................................... 18
8.9 Mental Health Campaign Survey ............................................................................................ 18
9.1 Sports Day ........................................................................................................................ 22
9.2 Green Gym ....................................................................................................................... 31
9.3 Exercise on Referral ............................................................................................................... 33
9.4 Campus Walks ....................................................................................................................... 34
9.5 Sport Your Trainers ................................................................................................................ 36
9.6 RGU: SPORT .......................................................................................................................... 40
9.6.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 40
9.6.2 Community involvement ................................................................................................. 40
9.6.3 Student involvement ....................................................................................................... 41
9.6.4 RGU: SPORT Group Exercise Classes ................................................................................ 43
9.7 Cycle to Uni............................................................................................................................ 44
9.8 Self Defence Classes ............................................................................................................... 44
11. Measuring the Effect ............................................................................................................ 46
11.1 Statistics from Student Services ........................................................................................... 46
10. Community Involvement ........................................................................................................... 52
10.1 Streetsport........................................................................................................................... 52
10.2 External Partnerships ........................................................................................................... 53
11. Partnership and Committee ................................................................................................. 56
11.1 Creation of the Mental Health Campaign Committee (MHCC) .............................................. 56
11.2 Student Support ............................................................................................................... 57
11.3 MHA ................................................................................................................................ 58
12. Academic Support ................................................................................................................ 59
12.1 Abstract for National Health Conference.................................................................................. 59
See Appendix 8 ................................................................................................................................ 59
12.2 SUSPAC Newsletter .......................................................................................................... 59
12.3 SUS Good Practice Guides .................................................................................................... 60
12.4 Equality + Diversity Policy ................................................................................................. 64
13 Training and Conference ...................................................................................................... 67
13.1 Scottish Mental Health First Aid Training .............................................................................. 67
13.2 GP Referral Training ............................................................................................................. 67
14. Future Plan .......................................................................................................................... 69
14. Appendices .......................................................................................................................... 74
14.1 Appendix 1- Club Training Day ............................................................................................. 74
14.2 Appendix 2- RGU Sports Club Strategic Plan 2010/11 ........................................................... 79
14.3 Appendix 3- RGU: SPORT Nearly Nude Calendar 2011 .......................................................... 80
14.3.1 Calendar........................................................................................................................ 80
14.3.2 Naked Calendar Press Release ....................................................................................... 92
14.4 Appendix 5- Sports Day ........................................................................................................ 94
14.4.1 Poster ........................................................................................................................... 94
14.4.2 All student Wired email ................................................................................................. 94
14.5 Appendix 5- Green Gym Funding Application ....................................................................... 96
14.6 The Bulletin (all student and staff weekly email) ................................................................ 111
14.7 Mental Health Campaign Committee (MHCC) .................................................................... 112
14.7.1 Agenda ........................................................................................................................ 112
14.7.2 Minutes from MHCC Meeting ...................................................................................... 112
14.8 Appendix 8- Abstract for Paper .......................................................................................... 115
4. Introduction
4.1 Mental Health
Mental health is a term used to detail the feelings and emotions of
an individual and outline their state of the minds. Mental illness
affects a greater percentage of the population than anyone may
initially appreciate. Mental health is as serious an issue as any
physical illness but it is still in this modern time treated with less
priority and usually will fall victim to stigma. The term mental health
does not only define negative emotions and feeling as well as
positive ones.
It has become apparent from recent statistics that the student
population are significantly at risk from suffering mental illness
which is understandable considering the pressure of balancing the
academic work load as well as moving away from home and meeting
new people. 1 in 4 students will experience some form of mental ill
health during their time at University.
Research carried out has proven that physical activity vastly
increases endorphins which create a positive attitude and promotes
good mental health.
4.2 Robert Gordon University (RGU)
Robert Gordon University is a dynamic, modern place to study with an international reputation for providing high quality education from undergraduate through to PhD level.
Consistently ranked among the UK's top universities for graduate employment for many years, recent accolades have included:
‘Best Modern University in the UK' - The Times Good University Guide 2010
Top Modern University in 2009
Top Modern University for Research in Scotland.
Our diverse and exciting range of degree programmes are taught in state-of-the-art facilities by specialists who maintain close links with the world of work.
Well-established relationships with professional bodies, industrial organisations, government departments and research institutes ensure that all taught content is relevant and meets industry standards.
The majority of our courses enable part-time study, with an increasing number also available via distance learning through the University's online learning environment, CampusMoodle.
Our growing reputation for research reflects our interest in finding real solutions to real problems experienced by businesses and other organisations.
Student Profile of the University in Session 2008 - 2009
There were over 15,000 students at the University
Of the total:
60% were Full time and 40% Part time
63% were Undergraduate students
35% were Postgraduate with the remainder in Postgraduate Research
Of the Undergraduates:
35% attended Aberdeen Business School
25% enrolled in Design and Technology courses
39% were enrolled in Health and Social Care courses
Of the total student population:
41% were male students
59% were female students
Of the undergraduate population:
33% were male students
67% were female students
Female students were predominant in the part-time student population with 60% of all part time students.
Males made up the majority of Postgraduate students with 56% of the total.
4.3 RGU Union
Aberdeen is a diverse city with a population consisting of people from all over the world. Believe it or not, students make up for almost 30% of the Aberdeen population! That’s around 60, 000 students in the city and shire. However, with such a huge number of students, it is important the Union can deal with the wide range of problems which students may face.
Just spending one day in the Union’s cafe, bars and social areas gives a good indication of the number of different types of students that come to RGU. An incredible mix of cultures, nationalities and faiths lends itself well to a union that is proud to serve, represent and celebrate a diverse student population.
It is vitally important we are aware of our students’ different backgrounds. Although the Union has worked hard with the University to ensure that there are members of staff and elected student officers in place to prevent serious issues from arising, we also accept that some circumstances cannot be foreseen.
Sometimes as a student you may find yourself experiencing difficulties of one sort or another, academic or personal. The best way to deal with problems and worries is to face them straight on, as soon as they occur, with the confidence of knowing that your Union is there to support you.
There’s no need to panic or feel on your own. At the Union there are elected student officers here to listen and advise you. We can also direct you to the university staff members, working within specialist areas, who are specifically there to aide students with the various needs that come with university life.
As part of the Student Association the Sport Sabbatical remit
blankets the promotion of physical activity to the student body. This
year to run in tandem with the Think Positive campaign that NUS and
SUS are running RGU have worked to increase awareness and
hopefully output a result of erasing stigma surrounding the issue on
campus and within the wider community. Educating the student
body and supporting those who suffer from many forms of mental ill
health were the main purpose of the campaign.
Robert Gordon University does its upmost best to provide the
ultimate student experience for its 16,402 student population.
5. Aim of the Campaign
The aim of the Mental Health campaign being carried out across
2010-11 is to increase awareness, educate the student population on
mental health and inhibit stigma. It has a dual purpose to illustrate
to students who suffer from mental ill health that the University
offer support and help.
6. Application to the ‘Healthy Body, Healthy Minds’
6.1 Supporting Statement
Dear Talat,
Through submission of this supporting statement Robert Gordon
University (RGU) wishes to be considered as a pilot university to be
involved in the ‘healthy body, healthy mind award’.
We believe this opportunity would strengthen the recent knowledge
gained when seven of us across the university completed the
Scottish Mental Health First Aid Course (SMHFA). Those attending
included Michele Collie, Student Union General Manager; Lorna
Cruickshank, Sport Facilities Manager and Nicola Scott , Vice
President of Sport which highlights the commitment already shown
by the university. Additional training has also been planned for the
Residential Assistants. This award would provide us with the
support, guidance and opportunity to implement our ideas for
promoting awareness of mental health issues.
As one in four students suffer some form of mental health issues it is
appropriate that these issues are addressed. We wish to promote
the benefits of key protective factors such as students participating
in physical activity and having healthier and happier experiences
while studying.
Using resources available from NUS (Think Positive about student
mental health) we wish to educate students and raise awareness of
mental health. In addition to resources, we aim to host a number of
events including:
September Raise awareness of mental health, target student clubs,
presidents and fresher’s
October Mental Health Month. Increase physical activity by
hosting a Sports Day and Trade Show on 10th October – World
Mental Health Day.
November Conduct research on Physical Activity
January Detox- De-stress Promotion
February Investigate offering another SMHFA Course.
Each of these activities looks at increasing the amount of physical
activity undertaken and assists students to remain positive. Ideally
preventing them from experiencing; self-harm, depression, anxiety
or turning to alcohol and drugs.
If the students do experience an onset of mild or moderate mental ill
health then we are trained to support them through the ALGEE
process and offer the referral system training.
Our lead person, Nicola Scott can be contacted at the above address,
Telephone 01224 263665 or 07950618547, Email:
[email protected]. Nicola is very interested in Physical Activity
and is also a member of SUSPAC.
If you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to
contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Nicola Scott Ryan MacLean Lorna Cruickshank
VP (Sport) President Sport Facilities Manager
7. Initial Involvement
In June 2010 initial contact was made with Talat Yaqboo, NUS
Campaign Coordinator for Think Positive. The first training course
was held at RGU on the 12th and 13th June 2010 where 4 members
of staff and 4 student officers underwent the Scottish Mental
Health First Aid (SMHFA) training. The 2 day course equips you
with the vital skills to be able to deal with a mental health crisis.
The 2010 SUS Conference, held in Aberdeen on June 15th and 16th,
had a breakout session to introduce the Think Positive campaign
and the Healthy Body, Healthy Minds Awards scheme.
8. Raising Awareness
8.1 Awareness Talks
The Sports Sabbatical of 2010/11 took the initiative to bring the
nationwide campaign onto the campus at RGU to benefit the health
status of its students. With students returning to campus in
September it was a great time to promote and introduce them to the
campaign. As a result of the having trained first aiders within the
University it meant several Mental Health Awareness talks were
given to various groups of students. Awareness talks were given to
the Fresher’s Team on the 17/9/10 and the sports club presidents at
their training day on the 21/9/10. See Appendix 1 for the
presentation given at Club Training Day.
8.2 Strategic Plan
During the Club Training Day all club presidents were encouraged to
participate in the construction of the RGU Sports Club Strategic Plan
2010/11 which included raising awareness of mental health as a key
objective. See Appendix 2.
8.3 Fresher’s Fayre
One of the main student involved event in September is the Freshers
Fayre which sees thousands of students both old and new pour into
RGU: SPORT sports hall to sign up to sports clubs, societies, receive
information and free goodies. All clubs were encouraged to promote
themselves well to increase sign up and hopefully get more students
participating in clubs. NUS were invited and attended the Freshers
Fayre on Thursday 23rd September with a Think Positive stall.
8.4 Union Wall Planner
This year the Union put together a student wall planner to hand out
in Freshers week to new students to help raise awareness of special
events throughout the year. World Mental Health Day, Sunday 10th
October 2010 was highlighted on the wall planner. 3000 wall
planners were distributed in September 2010.
8.5 Naked Calendar
November saw the start of production of the RGU: SPORT Nearly
Nude Calendar. The naked calendar project was started last year and
we decided this year to incorporate it into the mental health
campaign. It was discussed that any information regarding mental
health would help raise awareness and educate the student and
community population as that was our target audience for calendar
sales. The calendar stated a fact or figure about mental health at the
bottom of every month and had helpline contacts for organisations
on the back cover of the calendar.
The calendar managed to raise approximately £250 for Mental
Health Aberdeen who do great work to help those affected by
mental ill health in Aberdeen.
For the full calendar please see Appendix 3.
8.6 Campaign on Campus
To raise awareness to the mass student population a team went on
campus to engage with students and offer information. Being on
campus in this way allowed us to communicate with a wide variety of
students including international, post graduates who would not
necessarily involve themselves in physical activity. Information was
offered to everyone as well as free Think Positive bags with free
goodies including and RGU: SPORT sweat band and Think Positive
frisbie. To make our presence known we had a slide with an image
of a brain projected onto the wall in the Atrium of the Business
School.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT WHEN SOMEONE SAYS MENTAL HEALTH?
Visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/mentalhealthcampaign to complete your survey and be in for a chance to win a free student peak gym membership at RGU: SPORT.
To promote physical activity whilst campaigning we had a television
set up with Wii Sports for people to take on some of the campaign
team.
8.7 Video
As Facebook has become even more popular we felt this was a great
way to raise awareness so we worked closely with Digital Media
Design student who created a awareness video that has been
uploaded on Facebook
(http://www.facebook.com/#!/video/?id=102229253188975).
8.8 Facebook
A new facebook page was created for the RGU Sport Clubs which is
used to publicise events, physical activity, mental health and result.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/RGU-Sports-
Clubs/102229253188975?ref=ts
8.9 Mental Health Campaign Survey
It was discussed by several groups including the Mental Health
Campaign Committee (explained later on in report) and the VP-
Team that an appropriate way to measure the impact that the
campaign has had on the students. The survey sent out to the
students had a double purpose of continuing raising awareness
through asking true or false questions. When the survey was
completed the correct answers were given.
8.9.1 Survey
1. How often do you take part in physical activity on average per week?
30 - 60
minutes
1 - 2 hours 3 - 4 hours 4 or over
2. Enter one word that you associate with Mental Health
Enter one word that you associate with Mental Health
3. Mental health is an issue faced by many students.
Please select True or False for the following statements
True False
1. 1 in 4 Scottish adults will experience mental
health problems some time in their lives.
2. Young men under the age of 35 are
currently at greater risk of suicide than any
other group.
3. Around 80% of mental health problems are
anxiety and depression
4. One in ten people aged 15 and 16 in the UK
have self-harmed at some point in their life.
On completion of the survey the student submitted their details to
be entered in to a prize draw for a free RGU: SPORT membership. In
confirming their details and clicking next they also supported the
following pledge: “I pledge to think positively that physical activity
will benefit my mental health."
The survey was open for a month and was advertised to students
through an all student email, facebook and on campus campaigning.
The survey received a staggering 1,124 completion figure. The key to
the success of this survey was how conveniently quick and easy it
was to complete.
The primary purpose of the survey was to collate figures and
statistics in relation to physical activity and awareness levels of
mental health.
8.9.2 Results
How often do you take part in physical activity on average per week?
Answer Options Response Percent
Response Count
30 - 60 minutes 22.5% 264
1 - 2 hours 29.3% 343
3 - 4 hours 25.8% 302
4 or over 22.4% 262
answered question 1171
skipped question 0
From the above table you can see that the greatest percentage of
students are spending 1-2 hours being physically active each
week. It is great to see that all 1171 students take part in some
form of physical activity, however improvements could be made
to increase the percentage who exercise for more than 4 hours.
The response to the second question was of varied response
ranging from happiness, sports to depression, stress and stigma.
Mental Health Campaign Survey
30 - 60 minutes
1 - 2 hours
3 - 4 hours
4 or over
Mental health is an issue faced by many students. Please select True or False for the following statements
Answer Options True False Response
Count
1. 1 in 4 Scottish adults will experience mental health problems some time in their lives.
1076 91 1167
2. Young men under the age of 35 are currently at greater risk of suicide than any other group.
912 250 1162
3. Around 80% of mental health problems are anxiety and depression
1019 143 1162
4. One in ten people aged 15 and 16 in the UK have self-harmed at some point in their life.
970 196 1166
answered question 1171
skipped question 0
The above table displays that awareness and knowledge RGU
students have about mental health is good, with a large majority
of students correctly identifying if the statements were true or
false. The purpose of these questions was not to test them but to
educate and again raise awareness, therefore once an individual
had complete the answers the correct facts were given.
9. Physical Activity
9.1 Sports Day
October is known as Mental Health Month across the world with the
10th October the designated World Mental Health Day. To celebrate
this day and kick start the campaign across the University the first
ever RGU Sport Day was run (see Appendix 4 for the advertisement
material from the event). The aim of the day was to increase
physical activity among the student population and introduce the
campaign. The Sports Day was advertised in a way to attract people
to partake in physical activity in a fun way. To incorporate raising
awareness of mental health the teams were given the following
names: Breathing Space, Samaritans, SAMH, Mind, Anxiety UK, Know
the Score and Rethink.
The participants played a variety of team sports including volleyball,
dodgeball and basketball in the morning. There was a health
information stall offering on health topics, mental health dominating,
was handed out to all participants. The day was a huge success in
terms of everyone that participated enjoyed themselves and said
they would support another event like it. The teams took part in
basketball, volleyball and dodgeball before breaking for lunch the
afternoon was filled with rounders and football, finishing with fun
races e.g. egg and spoon, 3-legged, sack.
In organising the day we had a think as to different methods of
relaxation and de-stressing people use including exercise, yoga,
massage. There were 2 sports masseurs there throughout the
day to offer massages to people to educate them on another
relaxation method.
The original plan of the day included individual activities e.g
yoga, pilates and boxfit, however due to low numbers these
activities were cancelled.
Reflecting on the day the main negative point was the number
of people that participated being low and this can be rectified
in the future by publishing and advertising the event earlier and
on a bigger scale. Getting people to sign up in advance and
paying a small admission fee of the event would commit people
to attend. The fact that the Sports Day was held on a Sunday at
10:00 may have had an impact and to run this event next year it
would be advised to hold it on a Wednesday afternoon at the
beginning of semester 1 or the end of semester 2 to help
promote students to take up sports and physical activity on a
Wednesday afternoon.
Each participant was asked to complete a short questionnaire
at the end of the day. The questionnaire and the results follow.
Questionnaire
1. Did you know that one in four people have a mental health problem? Yes No
2. Rate how stressed you get during exams and coursework on a scale of 1-10 (1 never – 10 always) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
3. Do you think you would attend exercise classes designed at improving your stress levels? Yes No
4. Do you believe that exercise can improve your mental health? Yes No
5. How put off are you by mental health campaigns? Yes No
6. Are you a member of RGU: SPORT, a sport club or another gym? Yes No
7. How many times a month do you exercise? Never 1-5 6-10 10+
8. If never, what could we do to make you to increase your participation and physical activity? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
9. Would you attend an event like this again? Yes No
10. What did you think of the day? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Thank you for coming!
Did you know that 1 in 4 people have a mental half problem?
Yes – 55%
No – 45%
On a scale of 1-10 how stressed do you get during exams.
Would you attend an exercise class designed at improving your mental health?
Yes – 73%
No – 27%
Do you believe that exercise can improve your mental health?
Yes- 100%
Are you put off by mental health campaigns?
Yes – 8%
No – 92%
Are you a member of RGU: SPORT or any other gym?
Yes – 73%
No – 27%
How many times a month do you exercise?
Never – 18%
1-5 – 18%
6-10 – 9%
10+ - 50%
Would you attend an event like this again?
Yes – 100%
What could we do to make you increase your participation and physical activity?
Reasons-
Personality
Too expensive
Bus prices to get to the gym
Have a sports day once a month
Own motivation
9.2 Green Gym
‘Green Gym’ is a new innovative community health project being
developed at RGU: SPORT. Funded by Aberdeen City Council and in
partnership with Garthdee Medical Group as part of the exercise on
referral scheme, referred patients and students will be encouraged
to develop and maintain an on site allotment project. The allotment
will take two years to fully develop with the intention of being
sustained to ultimately provide benefits for the local community as
well as referred students from Garthdee Medical Group.
In line with Grampian Health plan and improve health and reduce
health inequalities, this project support’s five of NHS Grampian’s
proposed key priorities for the next three years, April 2010 – 2013:
Higher numbers of children and adults overweight or obese
Poor mental health, in particular depression
That more people are living with chronic conditions and they need the right support to help them to live well
A growing number of older people who need support in order to have a good quality of life, despite any illness they may have, and we need to make sure we have the right services to support conditions more likely to occur with ageing such as dementia
Heart disease, cancer, stroke, smoking-related lung disease, and
diabetes continue to be the main causes of illness and death in
Grampian. A large part of these diseases can be prevented.
Project aim:
Increase physical activity levels of patients and students referred by Garthdee Medical Group for specific controlled conditions at RGU: SPORT
Improve the health of patients and students referred by Garthdee Medical Group for specific controlled conditions based at RGU: SPORT
Project objectives:
Encourage and empower patients referred by Garthdee Medical Group to develop and maintain an allotment based on the RGU site
Increase physical activity opportunities for patients and students referred by Garthdee Medical Group
Improve access to healthy home grown produce
Create an environment conducive to promoting positive well-being
Outcomes for students
Allotments provide an array of recreational, social and
environmental benefits and include contributing to physical and
mental well being, through providing a source of fresh fruit and
vegetables to improve diet, supporting an active lifestyle for people
of all ages, particularly those students who may not like traditional
types of exercise and encouraging social interaction and lifelong
learning (Farmer, 2006). Physical health issues including coronary
heart disease and obesity are inextricably linked to sedentary and
indoor lifestyles (CDC 1996, DCMS 2002, DoH 2004). Exposure to
nature makes people feel good (Maller et al 2002) and research
suggests that nature positively effects health by promoting recovery
from stressful situations and also has an immunising effect to protect
people from future stress (Pretty et al 2005). Furthermore, features
of the built environment can have a negative effect on mental state,
behaviour and interpersonal relationships (Tuan 1977, Freeman
1984, Franklin 2001). Developing an allotment will create an
enhanced sense of identity for the exercise referral scheme,
ownership and pride of the students referred whilst instilling new
skills that can be sustained beyond the life of the project.
9.3 Exercise on Referral
Exercise on referral is a new innovative community health project
developed at RGU: SPORT. In partnership with Garthdee Medical
Group and as part of the ‘Green Gym’, referred students will be
encouraged to develop physical activity levels. Referred students
with diabetes, obesity or mental health primary conditions are
offered a six week physical activity intervention. Assessed by a
qualified referral instructor, students are offered a range of
appropriate activity options at RGU: SPORT with educational sessions
delivered over the duration. The ability to educate the students on
their specific controlled condition whilst supporting sustained
periods of physical activity is a relatively new concept. Common to
the theory of brief interventions, RGU: SPORT are empowering the
students to manage and control their condition appropriately. This
funded move by RGU: SPORT to offer brief interventions for specific
controlled conditions, targets this normally marginalised student
population. The referral scheme was established in February 2011
and in conjunction with the ‘Green Gym’ project offers students with
specific controlled conditions an innovative on campus alternative,
to main stream activities.
Leisure providing settings such as RGU: SPORT are large social units,
and combining sociological and psychological approaches has the
potential to create environments which are conducive to developing
health promoting behaviours (Whitelaw et al, 2001). Exercise referral
schemes are an interesting setting to develop student health
promotion interventions. As a setting, referral schemes have a
primary role to provide access to physical activity opportunities for
students with specific controlled conditions. Often based in deprived
neighbourhoods, exercise referral schemes are a valuable resource
and provide a hub enabling partners from LA’s, PCT’s to deliver
physical activity interventions direct also to the local community. The
Scottish Government describes areas that come in the bottom 15%
of the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation are classed as showing
signs of being most deprived. These data zones are compared with
6,505 others throughout Scotland. There are 2 data zones within the
RGU: SPORT area within 15-20% most deprived areas in Scotland.
These areas are Garthdee and Kincorth. Out of the 267 data zones
for Aberdeen these areas are ranked 33 and 36 respectively. The
literature on the subject of community health initiatives appears to
conclude that it is actually the student ownership that gains results in
terms of a positive impact on personal morale and self-perceptions
of productivity (Shepherd, 1989). Whilst other studies confirm the
benefits to mental and physical health from exercise, highlighting
lower blood pressure and higher self-esteem with a positive effect on
mood (Pretty et al, 2005).
9.4 Campus Walks
In response to the growing student interest in on campus physical
activity opportunities, RGU: SPORT have allocated staff time to
support the development of a series of walks in and around the
campus and the local surrounding area. They will range from 10
minute short walks for those just starting up, to longer 45 minute
walks for the more seasoned walker. Staff are currently developing
map packs which would be available to purchase from RGU: SPORT
reception, which will show the routes and include a pedometer, as
well as other health information leaflets to the benefits of walking.
This gives opportunities for students to partake in structured walking
sessions offered by RGU: SPORT at certain times during the day and
also to build into the student’s daily routine at a more convenient
time.
These walks will be established for the Mental Health Campaign
2011-2012. The timely implementation of these walks will again
generate awareness and educate the student population returning in
September 2011. This offers an inclusive opportunity to the local
community, students and staff of RGU for habitual physical activity.
9.5 Sport Your Trainers
On Monday 14th March ‘Sport Your Trainers’, a campaign lead by
Glasgow 2014, is wanting everyone to wear trainers to work, school
and uni to show their support for the commonwealth games. Robert
Gordon University is taking part in this; we want all students and
staff to wear trainers on Monday. Everyone that does should turn up
for a photo shoot at the Faculty of Health at the Garthdee Campus at
12.30.
Here is a link to the web site, it will give you all the on the event -
http://www.glasgow2014.com/sport_your_trainers.aspx
Please see the following press release we used to publicise the day.
University invites staff and students to bin the brogues, sling the
stilettos and set their feet free
Staff members at Robert Gordon University and its sport facility are
getting behind a light-hearted national Commonwealth Games
appeal next Monday (14 March) to raise awareness of healthy living.
‘Sport your Trainers’ is a campaign driven by Glasgow 2014 in the run
up to the Commonwealth Games. Taking place on Commonwealth
Day (14 March) the University and RGU: SPORT are getting involved
by encouraging as many people as possible - including students,
staff, employees and members of the local community - to wear
trainers for the day.
Each person seen to be wearing trainers at the University’s Garthdee
campus will be given a sticker for their support and encouraged to
attend a photo opportunity at 12.30pm at the Faculty of Health
building. The photo will then be published on the Glasgow 2014
website.
The Commonwealth Games committee plan to run the event in
organisations nationwide every year until the 2014 games come to
Glasgow. There is no money involved; all they ask is for one day
where people around the country show their individuality through
their trainers.
Robert Gordon University has a reputation for promoting the
importance of sport and fitness. With over 30 sports clubs and a
sports facility which offers discounted student memberships,
students have many opportunities at their fingertips.
Vice President of Sport, Nicola Scott, has recently been raising
awareness on mental health in the community, through the sports
teams she manages by arranging mental health surveys that have
been distributed to all students (with over one thousand responses),
and through selling a sports team’s Naked Calendar with facts on
mental health on each page.
She said: “Here at Robert Gordon University we are dedicated to
promote and encourage physical activity amongst the student and
wider community. The mental health campaign we have been
running this year, to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health,
has been hugely successful in getting more students more active.
‘Sport your Trainers’ is an excellent idea to continue the promotion
of physical activity and highlight the upcoming Commonwealth
Games, Glasgow 2014.”
Neil Brown, Sport Programmes Manager, stated: “With all the
student sport clubs and student scholars I feel this is a fantastic
opportunity for the University to celebrate the Commonwealth
Games. We have had four RGU: SPORT scholars competing in recent
Commonwealth Games, including Hannah Miley who won gold in the
400m individual medley in Delhi, so we have high hopes for 2014.”
Anyone interested in taking part in the Sport Your Trainers event is
invited to wear their trainers on the 14th March and come along to
the photo shoot at 12.30 at the Faculty of Health.
To find out more information about ‘Sport your Trainers’, and the
Commonwealth Games, visit www.glasgow2014.com.
9.6 RGU: SPORT
9.6.1 Introduction
RGU: SPORT has been open since 28th February 2005. We have a solid membership base of over 3’500 members who are a mixture of RGU Students, Staff from across the university, Aberdeen Corporate companies and general community members. They enjoy being physically active and participate in gym sessions, swimming, classes, climbing or playing mixed sports. We offer over 50 classes a week which includes the popular Body Training Systems (BTS) classes such as Body Pump/Attack/Combat/Balance.(Neil provide stats) RGU: SPORT is committed to: Provide opportunities for individuals in our community to improve their quality of life and level of performance through physical activity and sport. Our business has 4 strands- 1. Create a healthy university culture where physical activity and sport is encouraged and supported. 2. Develop an environment where RGU is a university of choice for elite sports performers 3. Use physical activity and sport to reach out to the Aberdeen City and Shire communities 4. Ensure that programmes and activities are effective and sustainable. 9.6.2 Community involvement January is an important month for all facilities across the sport and physical activity sector. We sold over 340 Community memberships in 2011. This year we choose to link our campaign into the benefits
of exercising; a number of people get depressed in January due to the bad weather. Our campaign was titled Don’t let the weather get you down; feel better after exercising at RGU: SPORT. As can be seen in the appendix / attachments we selected stereotypical negative words and emphasised this may be how people felt prior to exercising and then on the opposite side we focussed on the benefit and positive effects from exercising. We opted to distribute 1’000 A5 flyers in the foyer of Sainsbury supermarket which is situated at the bottom of the hill on Garthdee Road. These vouchers enabled the individuals to attend RGU: SPORT and have a free swim. In addition to Sainsbury's, we also distributed 700 to families who attend the holiday camps in our sports hall in local shops and hotels in the Cults area. Awareness was raised across the community by displaying A3, A4, A1 & A0 posters in the union windows, shops, community centres, a squash club and the Holburn Bar. An 8ft x 3ft banner was placed on Garthdee Road and a full roadside billboard was used on Holburn Street for two weeks. A two – week radio campaign was launched on 26th December 2010 targeting listeners on Original FM and Northsound 1 & 2 who may have over indulged over the festive season. We reassured them; Don’t worry RGU: SPORT will help you get motivated, back into shape and healthier for 2011. 9.6.3 Student involvement We can appreciate that January is also a stressful time for students undertaking exams. As we host the exams in our sports hall we decided to target them. We issued flyers to them reminding them that exercise is a great stress buster: studies suggests that to exercise at any level is associated with better physical and mental health
compared to no exercise. As a result of increasing awareness our student sales for January - March 2011 almost reached 600 students who are now physically active. January adspad advert
9.6.4 RGU: SPORT Group Exercise Classes
.ac.uk W: www.rgu.ac.uk/rgusport
In January we saw a 66% increase in participation in all classes, 44%
in February and 33% in March. We can put this down to introducing
the Les Mills programmes Combat, Pump, Attack and Balance whilst
adding further Zumba classes.
9.7 Cycle to Uni
Free Bike Hire
Fancy a ride?
Are you sick of paying extortionate bus fares? Are you disgusted by high fuel prices? We certainly are!
The Union has a selection of bikes, donated graciously by Grampian Police, to give students to use for free during their time here at the University.
With the support of RGU: Transport, we took some old bikes, give them some TLC and now students have the ability to bypass the rush-hour traffic to get to Uni, or just to go for a cycle about the city and shire and experience some of the best Aberdeen has to offer, all for free!
For more information, contact the Student President.
http://www.rguunion.co.uk/union/campaigns/free-bike-hire/
9.8 Self Defence Classes
RGU: SPORT were organising a Self Defence workshop on Sunday
10th April to give students, staff and members of the community to
gain vital skills to be able to defend themselves. It was hoped that a
course like this would encourage self confidence in its attendees.
Unfortunately this course did not go ahead but is was felt that the
time of year did not suit and we would look to run the workshop
next year possibly in October/ November. See advert in Appendix 5.
11. Measuring the Effect
11.1 Statistics from Student Services
Question
Str
on
gly
Ag
ree
Ag
ree
Neu
tral
Dis
ag
ree
Str
on
gly
Dis
ag
ree
Comments
1. The reception
staff were
friendly and welcoming
23 14 1 1. Very open and nice. 2. Very quick and easy to open up. 3. Very welcoming; 4. I
loved their way of interaction; 5. Were very receptive and kind; 6. The reception was
calm, nice;
2. I was able to
get an appointment
within a
reasonable timeframe
30 7 2 1. I got an appointment the same day; 2. 2 days after contact; Waited 1 week; 3.
Very quick to arrange; 4. Got an appointment the following day; 5. Within a week; 6. yes I got it in quick time; 7. We made appointment immediately; 8. Yes, considering
other waiting times (ECS etc.) 9. It was just a perfect timing; 10. Next day;
3. It was easy to
talk to the Wellbeing
Advisor
35 4 1. Very comforting. 2. Excellent - feel much better coming out of it. 3. Was never
felt like I was taking too much time - great experience; 4. Friendly and welcoming; 5. She made me feel at ease; 6. Very kind; 7. Yes in a friendly manner; 8. She was very
concerned and hospitable; 9. Yes, she carried me along in the discussion;
Question
Str
on
gly
Ag
ree
Ag
ree
Neu
tral
Dis
ag
ree
Str
on
gly
Dis
ag
ree
Comments
4. The Wellbeing
Advisor listened
and understood how I was
feeling
34 5 1. Very sympathetic and understanding. 2. As (3.) above, truly feel better; 3.
Extremely helpful; 4. Understood how I was feeling and why I was stressing; 5.
Student Wellbeing Advisor understood 100% of my feelings; 6. She listened and understood my plight; 7. Very helpful and gave lots of useful advice; 8. Yes, I had a
feeling my issues were resolved;
5. I was satisfied
with the action
taken / advice I was given
31 6 2 1. I have a plan and don't feel at a loss; 2. Very positive advice; 3. The advice given
was the right advice to a better me; 4. Tips on how to relax were realistic and easy to
do; 5. I feel relaxed now; 6. She promised to do everything she can to help; 7. Yes, though still waiting for another outcome;
6. I would be
happy to use the service again
or recommend it
to friends
34 5 1. I am referring on students in my class to this service; 2. I will be back to check on
progress; 3. Will definitely recommend; 4. Very useful service; 5. I strongly would recommend; 6. I will be recommending friends for same; 7. I am very much satisfied
with her advice and much relieved too; 8. Gave me lots of advice and key strategies
to work through my issues; 9. Yes;
General Comments and Suggestions:
1. This is a very useful service and allows students to be honest and unload a lot of stress and issues that need professional and
unlimited aid.
2. Relaxed atmosphere, Glad this service is available :)
3. Very helpful, friendly and made to feel important - exactly what I needed!
4. My only complaint is that I didn't know about this service sooner.
5. While being rather apprehensive about the counselling I found it helpful and put at ease rather quickly.
6. Am very happy the way the advisor spoke to me.
7. Thank you very much for offering this type of service. I am very thankful to the Student Wellbeing Advisor whom I met.
8. Thank you very much for your help. I hope my problems will be solved soon.
9. The reception was okay. I was received by Liz promptly and the discussion was simple and clear. I made my points and she saw it all. I really appreciate if students' issues are treated this way in future. Regards.
10. Many thanks. I will try again.
Student Age Group
<20 60
21 - 25 74
26 - 30 30
>30 36
Student Sex
Male 74
Female 126
Student Nationality
Home 145
International 55
Action Taken
Presenting Problem
Number of Students
Re
ferr
als
to
Stu
den
t C
ou
nse
llor
Re
ferr
als
Exte
rnal
ly
Re
pea
t
Ap
po
intm
ent
No
Fu
rth
er
Act
ion
Abuse 3 1 1 1
Academic 17 4 2 11
Anxiety 54 28 5 11 10
Addictive Behaviour
1 1
Depression 37 18 3 13 3
Loss 9 4 4 1
Other mental disorders 6 4 2
Eating Disorder 3 3
Physical Health 3 3
Relationships 29 5 15 9
Self & Identity 8 3 4 1
Transitions 2 2
Self Harm 3 3
Sexual Issues 2 2
Other 23 3 9 11
TOTAL 200 69 24 61 46
10. Community Involvement
10.1 Streetsport
Street Sport and Physical Activity
Street Sport is an antisocial behaviour diversionary project that
works in the City of Aberdeen. The project is collaboration between
Robert Gordon University, Grampian Police, Aberdeen City Council
and a few other local agencies. The aim of the project is reduce
youth annoyance and antisocial behaviour by channelling the
energies of young people through sport and physical activity.
The project is locally funded and relies heavily on a pool of
committed volunteers to ensure delivery. The project currently has
22 fully active volunteers, 16 of these volunteers come from the
student population, and 6 are from the community 3 of which come
from disadvantaged areas which we target. Our target areas are
based on guidance from Grampian Police. We target areas which
they term ‘hotspots’ of youth annoyance. These areas also happen to
be graded low on the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation
published in 2009. Torry and Seaton are in the 5 – 15% multiple
deprivation indexes while Garthdee and Woodside are in the 10 –
20% multiple deprivation indexes. Our 3 community volunteers come
from Torry.
The project has had over 7,500 visits recorded since 2006. The
project averages 60 – 80 visits per week and anything from 15 to 25
visits per session. With each session young people have the choice of
Football, Rugby and/or Basketball from 1900 – 2130 every weekday
evening. Sessions in Torry regularly have up to 30 young people in
attendance with the majority of the young people attending coming
from a disadvantaged background. The project provides over 2 hours
of physical activity per evening and with two portable pitches and
equipment we often visit areas twice in one week. The majority of
the young people that come along to a session attend on a regular
basis and are therefore engaging in physical activity for at least 2
hours every week.
- Antisocial behaviour diversionary project
- Works in Aberdeen City
- Channels energies through sport and physical activity
- 22 volunteer
- 16 are university students
- 6 are community volunteers
- 3 are from disadvantaged areas (i.e Torry)
- 7,500 visits to the project from 2006
- 60 – 80 visits per week
- 15 – 25 visits per night
- Target Torry and Seaton, Both 5 - 15% multiple deprivation according to SIMD
- Torry and Seaton amongst most disadvantaged areas in north of Scotland
- Nights in Torry can attract up to 30 young people
- Woodside and Garthdee are also in 10 - 20% multiple deprivation
- Young people play football, rugby and/or basketball on street sport evenings
- Majority of young people that come along attend regularly therefore engaging in physical activity every week.
10.2 External Partnerships
Marcus White, an RGU student, been involved in the Service user
reference panel group since last October. The group reviews services
at Cornhill hospital and mental health services in Aberdeen. Through
this group he was part of the development of a patient hospital
experience questionnaire. Also over the past few months he has
personally looked into all the mental health related community
services in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. A lot of the services had
close down due to loss of funding.
The group has been ask to be involved in the education of student
nurses and social work students, asking patients/service users to
provide feedback on particular areas of interest. The group has also
been involved in research studies on special observations of patient
experience.
Marcus recently went along to the Aberdeen Mental Health
Reference Group. Again which review mental health in Aberdeen.
Through this he became aware of the new Aberdeen in Mind website
(www.aberdeeninmind.org)
This website provides information to those interested in mental
health, particularly in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. It covers a range
of mental health issues and gives details of events and news. It also
provides information for carers and families who often experience
emotional, financial and health issues themselves. This will be a great
reference point for the University Disability and Dyslexia service
(Counselling service), as well as mental health first aiders.
Marcus also very recently became involved in Bipolar Aberdeen and
will be assisting in the development of their service (From the
support group to a new website). He will also assist in providing self
help strategies for their website and information for their monthly
newsletter.
Having spoken to a lot of people Marcus now recommends not
having a support group at the University. Reasons include:
1) Isolating students into a particular group (mental health) (a lot
of services in Aberdeen recommend people who are service
users to develop their own independence)
2) Students have different conditions/illness-will require specific
groups
3) Students giving students advice- A lot of students will be
recently diagnosed with a mental health condition and may not
have developed coping/self help strategies. Also students will
not have relevant experience in mental health.
4) Their mental health team are very experience and will be able
to address their needs.
5) Students sometime find it difficult to talk about their mental
health problems
6) The RGU counselling service now runs groups in depression,
exam stress and anxiety which I think is fantastic.
7) The Aberdeen in Mind website is a fantastic resource.
8) The Aberdeen Counselling and Information service (ACIS) and
Cairns would also be more beneficial to students.
9) Penumbra will be running workshops
Examples include Managing Moods. (Looking at ways to
manage our moods, from stress, anger to fear. Taking control of
our emotions to help us feel better in ourselves.
Healthy Living. (Exercise and diet play a huge part in our health,
we look at ways that we can improve our lifestyle and our health
through exercise and eating.
Working to Work (Looking at steps we can take to help us stay
in work or to get back to work.
WRAP-Wellness recovery Action Plan. (Learn how to make your
own WRAP and see how this can help you recover and stay well)
10) There is a Bipolar support group in the community and I
would recommend students going along to this group. (I have
spoken to them and they would be more the happy to welcome
students who suffer from bipolar).
There aren’t any other support groups in the community.
11. Partnership and Committee
11.1 Creation of the Mental Health Campaign Committee (MHCC)
As students and staff settled into the new academic year it felt like
the best way to encourage people to get involved in the campaign
and promote engagement was to create a Mental Health Campaign
Committee. The committee is comprised of the Vice President of
Sports (Chair), Sports Officer, Health Officer, Campaign Co-ordinator
from the VP team, 2 members of RGU: SPORT staff, the Welfare
Advisor, Student Nurse (up until Christmas), Lecturer in Sports and
Exercise Science, Marketing Intern and a student who has suffered
from mental ill health in the past who was really keen to get
involved. The first meeting of the MHCC was the 28th September
2010, which Talat attended to inform everyone of the work NUS are
carrying out. The work detailed in this report could not have
happened without the time effort and support the committee have
shown to the campaign. The committee meets when appropriate,
but at least once every 2 months, to feedback to the group any
developments within their own specialised area within the
University. This committee has seen relationships form between 5
different departments within the institution, which has promoted
raising awareness of mental health to spread across the University.
The group have been responsible for coming up with new innovative
ideas which have been carried out or will be detailed in our future
action plan.
See Appendix 3 for an example of an agenda for a MHCC meeting
and Appendix 4 for example minutes of a meeting.
11.2 Student Support
The RGU Student Counselling and Wellbeing Service comprises the
Student Counsellor, Ina Watson, and the Student Wellbeing Advisor,
Liz Redpath. The service was restructured at the beginning of the
2010 / 11 academic year in response to student demand to provide
appointments within a week of contacting the service. Previously,
demand for the service had outweighed its capacity and significant
waiting lists had grown.
Since the restructuring of the service, all students have been able to
be seen well within a week and often within a day or two of initial
contact. All students initially meet with the Student Wellbeing
Advisor who assesses their needs. Depending on the nature of their
requirements, they will be referred to the Student Counsellor (35%),
referred to an external specialised agency (12%), offered another
appointment with the Wellbeing Advisor (30%) or, will be helped
sufficiently in one appointment and will need no further action
(23%). The Students Counsellor is experienced in various counselling
methods, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which she uses as
appropriate to the specific case. Generally students are offered 6
one-hour sessions which are usually held on consecutive weeks,
however, the duration of the counselling is judged on an individual
basis and it will sometimes exceed the 6 sessions or be fewer.
The large majority of students (27%) present with anxiety which may
include panic attacks or obsessive behaviour. The next largest group
(18%) suffer from depression. Students from all categories often
have other complex problems stemming from their illnesses and
assistance is given in resolving these problems where possible,
including liaising with academic staff and involving other services.
The Student Counsellor has also delivered two series of very
successful workshops for students: one on Depression, and the other
on Exam anxiety. The service is considering expanding the subject
matter of the workshops to include other common issues, such as
confidence building.
Feedback from the students has been extremely positive and the
restructuring of the service has proved to be very successful.
11.3 MHA
Founded in 1950 under the name Aberdeen and North-East
Association for Mental health Aberdeen, Mental Health Aberdeen, as
it is now known, was one of the earliest local mental health
associations. Its objectives then, as now, was to support services for
people facing challenges in relation to their mental health; educate
the public about mental health issues and promote positive mental
wellbeing.
Donations were collected at the annual RGU: SPORT Sports Awards
Ball at the end of April with 50%, £600, being donated to Mental
Health along with the funds raised from the naked Calendar Project.
12. Academic Support
12.1 Abstract for National Health Conference
See Appendix 8
12.2 SUSPAC Newsletter
http://www.susport.org.uk/assets/miscellaneous/suspac%20news-
march%202011.pdf
Robert Gordon University
The netball and woman’s basketball teams represented RGU down in
Dundee at the Conference Cup finals. Woman’s basketball defeated
Aberdeen University 61-56.
RGU: SPORT’s new BTS group exercise classes are going down a treat
with large numbers taking part in Body Attack, Balance,
Combat and Pump.
RGU were fully behind Glasgow 2014 and promoted the Sport Your
Trainers day by issuing stickers to everyone wearing trainers on
March the 14th.
Mental Health
Mental health is a concerning issue amongst the student population
as well as the greater community. It is understandable with all the
stress and strains a student faces, including academic, financial and a
new environment, that 1 in 4 will suffer from mental ill health at
some point whilst studying. It has been scientifically proven that
physical activity helps maintain a positive mental wellbeing.
Together SUS and NUS are piloting an awards scheme to get Universities and Sports Unions on board in promoting the
benefits of physical activity to ones mental health and to raise awareness of this health topic. The scheme ‘Healthy Body, Healthy Mind’ has been running throughout 2010/11 with 5 University across Scotland taking part. The round up reports must be submitted by the end of April with the presentation of awards being incorporated into the annual SUS conference.
12.3 SUS Good Practice Guides
The following Good Practise Guides, provided by SUS, are displayed in RGU: SPORT facilities to educate people on the benefits of physical activity. The physical benefits of exercise are well documented; however there are also a number of social benefits which can be gained from an active lifestyle.
Exercise does not necessarily have to mean competitive sport or an intense gym session but can be as simple as a walk on a Sunday afternoon or a fun dance class with friends.
What are the social benefits of exercise?
For many people exercise can act as a welcome relief from busy or stressful schedule and so can be a significant factor in helping individuals stay positive and motivated. The science behind this is that Exercise can decrease ‘stress hormones' like cortisol, and increase endorphins, your body's ‘feel‐good’ chemicals, giving your mood a natural boost, however for many people the benefits are gained as much from the process of exercising, which can involve meeting up with new people or keeping in touch with family and friends.
The vast variety of forms of exercise can provide a spectrum of social benefits; from being part of a team, to leadership skills associated with team sports, to the personal confidence and personal wellbeing found in looking and feeling good.
Exercise is all inclusive and so can be an excellent way of socialising with people whom you would never ordinarily meet. By working together with people towards a common goal people can benefit from a sense of camaraderie.
How can I get involved?
There are many activities you could take part in to increase your stamina. Not everyone sees exercise as fun and doing something you find boring, just because it's good for you, is very difficult to sustain. However, you can take steps to make it more enjoyable.
Try out different sports or activities until you find something you like, such as a dance or aerobics class.
Join a team or club where you could meet new friends, for example a local football team or a sport you haven't tried before.
Activities that you can do as a family or with friends may help with motivation. When you find an activity you like, exercise at a pace that still allows you to talk.
Try to go somewhere different and exercise outside such as in a forest, a beach or a park.
Make sure you vary your activity so you don't get bored.
EXERCISE AND DEPRESSION If you have depression, exercise might be the last thing on your mind but once you get motivated, exercise can make a huge difference. What is depression? Depression is a very common problem which affects one in six people at some point in their life. Depression can describe a range of moods from sustained low spirits to a severe problem that affects day to day life. How does exercise help? - Release of brain chemicals that elevate our mood - Gain confidence in meeting new challenges and exercise goals - Is a distraction by taking our mind off our worries and negative thoughts
- is sociable and helps us meet new people - can boost our self esteem and make us feel better about our body - coping in a healthy way is a positive stategy to manage depression What kind of Exercise is best? - best thing is to choose something that you enjoy, that will help you stick to your plan - aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming and dancing have been found to have been particulary effective for treating depression - team sports can help in developing new friendships - Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi may be uselful in helping relaxation How much Exercise is enough? - 30 minutes or more, three to five times per week can significantly improve depression - smaller amounts of time eg 10 or 15 minutes can make a difference too How do I get started and stay motivated? - Contact your University Sports Centre and arrange to meet a member of staff for an exercise consultation - choose a physical activity that you enjoy, to help you stay motivated - get your Doctor or mental health provider’s support for exercise, as part of your treatment plan - Be ready for setbacks, so if you miss out one or more of your sessions, don’t give up, just try again the next day Helpful resources www.mentalhealth.org.uk www.mind.org.uk
SUSPAC, February 2010
The Psychological Benefits of Exercise
The psychological benefits of regular exercise can be as significant as the physical. Some, such as better self-esteem, come as an indirect result of exercise and are fairly subjective.
Others are a direct consequence of chemical activity triggered by physical exertion, and for this reason some doctors regularly recommend physical activity. Brain chemicals released during exercise, such as serotonin, and endorphins, are known to have strong effects on mood, helping reduce feelings of anxiety, stress and depression, while also helping to strengthen your immune system.
Endorphins secreted during exercise are proven to have a very powerful effect. Often referred to as 'runners high', the release of beta-endorphins reduces pain (the reason why running becomes easier after about 20 minutes) and stimulates feelings of euphoria - which is why so many people feel invigorated and enthusiastic after exercise.
Other psychological side effects of exercise include:
Improved self-esteem and greater sense of self-reliance and self-confidence Improved mental alertness Increased perceptions of acceptance by others Decreased overall feelings of stress and tension Reduced frustration with daily problems, and a more constructive response to negative outcomes
The psychological benefits can be just as important as the more obvious physical ones. Many of us are lucky enough to be able to say that we exercise because simply put, we enjoy it. We enjoy the social aspect, the feeling of doing something good for our body and mind, and for that unforgettable adrenaline rush. Some people exercise because they are unhappy about something, whether it is to shift that extra pound or two, worries about general health, or simply being sick of feeling unfit and having no energy. Regardless of the reasons why, the beneficial outcome is the same.
If you are feeling like a couch potato, or you are finding stress and worry is becoming a problem, get out there and exercise! The hardest part by far is that initial step, when it can feel like exercise is
the last thing in the world that will cheer you up. Just try to remember that exercise is one of the very best ways do do just that.
Further psychological benefits references. http://www.thefitmap.com/trainers/benefits/index.htm
http://www.bupa.co.uk/health
SUSPAC, February 2010
12.4 Equality + Diversity Policy
Supporting Campus Diversity
The University has a strong commitment to the active promotion of
equality across its functions and to addressing issues of
discriminatory practice towards staff, students and external
stakeholders. This commitment is reflected in the University's values
which include the promotion of equality and diversity and in
University policy as detailed below.
Inclusivity Statement
Related to the Equality and Diversity Policy, the University has
developed an Inclusivity Statement as follows:
'Robert Gordon University strives towards creating a working,
learning and social atmosphere which is inclusive and harmonious.
The University will achieve this by:
Embracing a positive attitude towards the promotion of equality on the basis of age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, religion or belief and sexual orientation to ensure all reach their full potential;
Being prepared to understand that fairness and equality is not always about treating people similarly, but can sometimes mean treating people differently;
Acknowledging and celebrating the breadth of experiences and perspectives that people from diverse backgrounds bring to the life of the University;
Eliminating discrimination and prejudice by empowering people to treat each other with respect.'
University Equality Scheme
The University's Equality Scheme and associated Equality Action Plan seeks to balance the University’s desire to adopt a coherent and joint approach with regard to the elimination of discrimination and the promotion of equality with the need to demonstrate clearly the actions being taken to meet the individual Public Sector duties on race, disability and gender. Policies are in place for Race, Disability and Gender equality.
We are currently consulting on the Gender Equality Scheme - in order to support the general duty, most public authorities are required to review their Schemes at least every three years. Staff and students are now invited to comment on the effectiveness of its existing Scheme by using the feedback facility below.
UPDATE: At its May meeting, the University's Equality and Diversity Advisory Group endorsed the following draft actions to be considered for inclusion as part of the revised Scheme:
Raising student awareness of what constitutes discrimination Increasing the visibility of where students go if they see or feel
they are the victim of discrimination Undertaking a review of access to student clubs and societies,
to see if there is gender balance in provision Examine the effect on take up of student-facing services as a
result of gender imbalance within support departments Review existing `family friendly policies’
Review the use of existing support of national organisations addressing gender imbalances in student admission to particular subject areas
Review the Student Admissions Policy Develop appropriate awareness, training and support of trans-
people across the University Consider the possibility of introducing a Gender Champion Develop HR records to provide additional monitoring data on
staff promotion
RGU also welcomes feedback on these draft actions and any other diversity issues and encourages staff and students to use this facility to continue to do so.
13 Training and Conference
13.1 Scottish Mental Health First Aid Training
There has been a total of 2 courses run at RGU with the first one
being held in June 2010 where staff within the Union, RGU: SPORT
and student officers being trained up. The second course was held
on the 26th and 27th February where a mixture of staff and students
attended.
In total we have 26 qualified Mental Health First Aiders. We are
currently in the process of collating a database of first aiders and we
are hoping to display this on the University website so they can be
contacted in a Mental Health Crisis if need be.
See Appendix 9 for full list of registers individuals in RGU.
13.2 GP Referral Training
The course was an intensive 5 day course starting on the Monday
through to the Friday. The course started at 9am through to 5pm
daily. The course consisted of 5 sections Worksheet 1: Principles of
Physical Activity & Exercise Referral. This is a written question paper
given out on the first day of the course to be completed throughout
the week. Pass mark 70%
Section 2: Workload Parameters- which is a written calculations-
based paper. 100% pass mark required.
Section 3: Multiple Choice Exam- written paper done on the 5th day.
Pass mark 70%
Section 4: Case Study Report- Written case study Assessment which
involves creating a 6 week exercise programme for a fictional client.
4 weeks to complete after completing of course. Pass mark 75%
Section 5: Worksheet 2- "Professional Practice & Processes in
Exercise-Referral". Written assessment. 4 weeks to complete post
course completion.
The course was run by the WRIGHT FOUNDATION based in Dundee.
I got involved on the course to advance my knowledge of medical
conditions and to hopefully start up a Scheme within RGU and
possibly elsewhere. It will also help me to get involved in more of the
specialist side of fitness and training which ultimately is the route i
want to go down.
13.3 Mental Health Conference
The NUS Think Positive Conference was supported by 3 RGU
delegates including the Vice President of Sport, Entertainments
Officer and Advice, Support and Administrator of the Union. The day
was great fun to take part in and all delegates can back to Aberdeen
better informed and took away ideas as to help run a successful
campaign on campus.
14. Future Plan
Pod cast
Video
Union restructure- Welfare President, still lead with PA
The Mental Health Campaign 2010/2011 was the first of its kind for
students at the Robert Gordon University. It aimed to tackle social
and mental issues which are much wider spread than something
which just originates within University life. Nevertheless, it is
recognised that as university is stage dedicated to learning, much
more can be attained than simply what is taught in the class room.
There are few better places to learn about the importance of good
mental health and the impact it can have on everyday life.
Given the way in which physical activity and sport are linked with the
avoidance of injury and poor health, it is firstly important in moving
forward that any mental health campaign remains interlocked with
sport at university.
IDEAS FOR THE FUTURE
After establishing that the best way to improve on mental health at
university is building the campaign around sport, there are two
primary questions for looking to the future:
1) In the 2010/11 campaign, what worked and what didn’t work?
2) In 2011/12, what how will be considered a successful
campaign?
WHAT WORKED? WHAT DIDN’T?
The aspect in which the campaign didn’t succeed is perhaps one
which all newly established mental health campaigns suffer from.
Despite getting the message across clearly that that mental health is
important and that physical activity can improve mental health, it is
feasible that the depth of detail communicated beyond this was lost
on most students. This may be attributed to the fact that most
students may not accept the wide reaching impact of mental health
on students and as a result, accepting the importance of
understanding mental health may be difficult to digest. Thus, for the
future it is important to break the campaign down into a more
digestible, acceptable and understandable approach.
A starting point for this is to adopt two forms of mental health
prevalent amongst students, allowing them to identify with this and
supporting the message with an underlying yet informative message
regarding mental health as a whole. An example would be to run a
campaign raising awareness about stress and depression, two
disorders implicitly linked and both of which effect students whether
they know it or not. A lot of the information to promote healthy
living ‘treatment’ will be the same as if you were running a general
mental health campaign, yet they are presented in a more digestible
fashion, something which students are more likely to consume.
WHAT IS SUCCESS?
This is the age old question surrounding any goal or objective but
remains relevant. Unfortunately, it is measure difficult to measure
success with campaigns as statistics rarely paint an accurate picture.
As such, it needs to be established from the outset what success is
considered to be. This can only be done in line with the formation of
the campaign. In line with this, there must exist the ability within the
campaign to realise and celebrate any success; this is as important as
anything else within the campaign. One point that should be made is
the diminishing need to connect students with support services with
regards to mental health. Once it has been established there is a
mental health issue in anyone, there are effective routes in place to
direct those people to the appropriate help. The real issue to tackle
is raising the awareness of the symptoms of mental health problems
so people can recognise them when they encounter them and also to
eradicate the stigma surrounding mental health.
4 POINT PLAN
1. Strengthen the campaign backbone
2. Digestible and understandable
3. Wipe out stigma through celebrity recognition
4. Culmination: One event, lots of involvement.
1. A mental health campaign is something which needs to reach far
and wide as mental health affects many. As such, the more people
involved the less work for everyone and the stronger the campaign
will be. In line with this, the community which exists at university is
something much bigger than just the students. The staff are just as
important in this campaign as students as not only is their mental
health important, part of the success of the campaign depends on
making mental health an acceptable topic in our community as a
whole. However, there is no need to stop at this stage. This can be
spread across, for instance, all the higher and further education
institutes in Aberdeen, coming together to build a campaign and
promote the importance of good mental health in the education
sector. This lessens the workload whilst bolstering the effectiveness
of any campaign. A starting point would be to set up a meeting
between relevant staff and student leaders within Aberdeen’s
Universities and Colleges to assess the possibility of a widespread
campaign on this single issue.
2. Reflecting back on one of the previous points, the information
should be digestible and understandable and of equally importance,
communicated in a way which students recognise as having an
impact on them personally, rather than a problem which will affect
other people. Furthermore, communicating such a campaign
depends on promoting the symptoms of such health problems. As an
example, cervical and testicular cancer used to be surrounded by
stigma, however once people were educated on the health issues
and how to recognise the symptoms, much of that stigma
disappeared. Instead of being spoken about to watch out for cancer,
the symptoms were brought to the forefront and people were
educated to be mindful of those which seemed a much less
frightening task.
3) Again, a paramount hurdle within the mental health campaign is
stigma. However, there is a media supportive movement
surrounding mental health issues, sparked by several sporting role
models and celebrities openly talking about mental health problems
they have faced. Examples are Crickets Michael Yardy and the actress
Catherine Zeta-Jones. This goes to show that anyone can be
susceptible to such mental health problems and by launching a
campaign via a similar method, by promoting that sports role models
and other celebrities face and talk about mental health, others may
realise it is okay too.
4) The campaign should be focused on one widespread event.
Something that originates perhaps from student led direction, yet
can end with including a whole community or even city. A fun run
would be a prime example of this, involving all students and staff
from the Aberdeen institutions and tying in with support groups
from the surrounding area. This could be linked in with sponsoring
runners to raise funds for a mental health charity and also organising
charity runs or other mini training events to build up fitness prior to
the main event.
These 4 points are a good future plan for taking the campaign
forward. Further support for the campaign can be sought from ‘Time
To Change’, a national mental health campaign. The website
http://www.time-to-change.org.uk has a vast amount of
information, tips and ideas on it to help run a mental health
campaign.
14. Appendices
14.1 Appendix 1- Club Training Day
What is mental health?
Mental health is the term given to someone’s state of wellbeing. It includes their emotions and their behaviours.
It does NOT necessarily mean mental ILL health – the terms are not the same
Mental Health – why it matters
• It is estimated that 1 in 4 students will experience mental ill –that’s over 160,00 students right now.
•Exam stress, financial pressures and unemployment all add to the difficulties students have to face and contribute to their mental wellbeing
•Mental health is hugely important to students having a good experience while at university. It impacts their social interactions, their academic performance and their future prospects
•Across all of society, which includes students, there is a very real stigma which prevents people from asking for support
Activity:
Individually, write down all the words you can thinks of that come into peoples’ minds when they hear the term ‘mental health’
Mental Health – Why it matters to sport
•Exercise and physical activity can help alleviate symptoms of mental ill health especially mild to moderate depression and anxiety
•RGU SPORT can lead the way in creating a mentally healthy student population
What do we know about it?
• Physical health and mental health impact each other
• Exercise is increasingly being used as a method of treatment
• Symptoms of depression for instance loss of energy, tiredness, flattened emotions can all be assisted through exercise
• Body image and mental health go hand in hand
• Feeling fitter and increase self esteem
Activity:
Into groups think about your sport and what is involved.
How do you think it improves students mental wellbeing? What more could you do?
As a part of a sports team or as a sports leader it is important that you are aware of mental illness.
There are many reasons for this:
• Sports improving mental health is another way of encouraging students to get involved.
•If you are part of a team, it means you are able to create an environment where people are aware of their mental wellbeing and able to talk about it
•You are able to be aware of how someone may be feeling and what impact it may have on their sports performance
The Healthy Body Healthy Mind Award
•This year RGU is one of five universities taking part in a brand new awards scheme!
•The award is designed to encourage sports unions to think about sports and mental health
•It will include events, training days and information
•All sports teams are invited to be involved!
•Hopefully in June we will be presented the Bronze award!
•To be involved contact _________________
14.2 Appendix 2- RGU Sports Club Strategic Plan 2010/11
RGU Sports Club Strategy 2010/11
Improve Performance Increase Physical Activity Increase and Widen Participation
Increase awareness of Mental Health
Improve coaching support
Achieve ClubCAP Education Sessions
- Nutrition, fitness training, fitness te sting, video analysis
More outdoor facilities
One off Sports Days/events
Bring a friend day Promote
walking/cycling groups
1 st sessions fun and effective
Facebook + other news media
Integrate beginners Refreshers sports fayre Discuss with
International Off ice to attract more students
Fun sessions
Be friendly and approachable
Supportive Buddy system Educate and publicise
to overcome stigma
14.3 Appendix 3- RGU: SPORT Nearly Nude Calendar 2011
14.3.1 Calendar
14.3.2 Naked Calendar Press Release
RGU students strip off for charity calendar
Brave students from Robert Gordon University have dared to bare all
to raise money for a local mental health charity.
By Danny Law 07 December 2010 11:42 GMT
Members of the university's swimming and water polo teams who
took part in the calendar.
Sports club members and staff from Robert Gordon University have
stripped off for a charity calendar to raise funds for local charity,
Mental Health Aberdeen (MHA).
Throughout October, 100 willing participants from across the
university’s portfolio of sports clubs gathered to take part in a series
of naked photo shoots for the fundraising effort.
Clubs that were involved in the shoots include the university’s
football, rugby, cheerleading, swimming and hockey teams. The
photo shoots were carried out in closed and secured settings to
protect the public and also to calm the nerves of participants.
Calum Cruickshank of the men’s football team said: “It is great to get
involved with something that is for such a good cause. It was great
fun to do and the team look forward to getting involved again next
year.”
The calendar is now on sale at the University’s sport facility, RGU:
SPORT and RGU Union. It is priced at £10 for the general public and
£8 for students. Proceeds are being donated directly to MHA.
Sponsorship for the calendar has been provided by the University’s
Student Services department. Funds have been put towards the
printing of 500 calendars, which are being provided at a vastly
reduced rate by the University’s print and design facility, The
Gatehouse.
Nicola Scott, Vice President for Sports, added: “It was great to have a
dedicated team working on the calendar this year as well as all the
sports teams wanting to get involved. It has been a really interesting
project and we hope that the calendar aids support and raises
awareness of mental health issues amongst the student and wider
population.”
14.4 Appendix 5- Sports Day
14.4.1 Poster
14.4.2 All student Wired email
Your weekly update from RGU:Union
Issue 45 – 04 October 2010
The first RGU Sports Day takes place this Sunday (10th
October) at
RGU:SPORT on the Garthdee campus. There will be a number of
team events taking place on the day, including Super Teams
Challenge, Dodgeball, Rock Climbing Challenges and more. You can
enter a team of 5 (cost £2 per player), contact Nicola Scott for more
details.
There will be fun challenges in the afternoon including egg & spoon
race, sack race, rounders, space hopper race and assault courses etc
and you will have a chance to find out more information about
physical and mental health at the on-site trade show.
Spaces are extremely limited so make sure you register your team
now to avoid disappointment! Contact Nicola Scott to secure your
place.
STUDENT 5-A-SIDE
FOOTBALL LEAGUE A Student 5-a-side Football League will be running at RGU: SPORT
on Saturday mornings from 9/10/2010 to 27/11/2010. Application
forms are avaliable from the reception desk at RGU:SPORT or by
emailing [email protected] for more information.Top of Form
14.5 Appendix 5- Green Gym Funding Application
ABERDEEN CITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT FUNDING APPLICATION
Over £3,000
* ALL BOXES MUST BE COMPLETED *
* Prior to completing the application form, it is strongly advised that you contact
one of the Public Health Co-ordinators for advice and guidance as well as referring to the
application guidance document *
1. Date
25/01/11
2. Is this a new or a continuing HIF project? (delete as appropriate)
New
3. Project title and summary
Title: Green Gym
Summary of project (i.e. what the funding will be used for):
‘Green Gym’ is a new innovative community health project being developed at Robert Gordon University (RGU).
In partnership with Garthdee Medical Group and as part of the exercise on referral scheme, referred patients
will be encouraged to develop and maintain an on site allotment project. The allotment will take two years to
fully develop with the intention of being sustained to ultimately provide benefits for the local community as
well as referred patients from Garthdee Medical Group.
4. Does this project support the achievement of health improvement priorities? If yes please explain the
links.
The prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCD) represents one of the main public health issues in today’s
world (WHO, 2004). The WHO estimates that mortality, morbidity and disability from the major NCDs account
for 60% of all deaths with global burden of disease at 47%. Unfortunately mortality trends are getting worse
and the main risk factors for diseases such as cardio vascular disease (CVD), diabetes and cancer are
acknowledged as being lifestyle related (WHO, 2004). In the UK, 84% of all deaths are attributable to NCDs
with CVD, cancer and diabetes being the largest contributors (WHOa, 2004).
This evidence clearly states that factors increasing the risk of NCDs are common with the Nutrition Transition
theory (Popkin 1974) and include elevated consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods that are high in
fat, sugar and salt and also reduced levels of physical activity at home, school, work and for recreation and
transport. Furthermore a recent survey demonstrated only 27% of men and 31% of women consumed five or
more portions of fruit and vegetables a day (Information Centre, 2009).
Globally lifestyle related risk factors account for the majority of mortality and morbidity rates (WHO, 2008).
Lifestyle related risk factors include; high blood pressure, high concentrations of cholesterol in the blood,
inadequate intake of fruit and vegetables, overweight or obesity, physical inactivity and tobacco use, all but one
is closely related to diet and physical activity (WHO, 2004). The goals of this WHO strategy include promoting
and enabling a sustainable environment at local, national and global levels to aid a healthy diet and physical
activity. The main objective of the strategy is to reduce the risk factors for NCDs, however, in relation to
physical activity it does recognise an important link to improved mental health. In the UK one in six adults will
have a mental health problem at any one time (DOH, 2009). The consequences of mental ill health not only
include psychological and physical distress but also impact on social and economic states. The burden of the
illness is experienced by the individual, family, communities and society as a whole. A recent estimate put the
costs of mental health in the UK at £77 billion the majority being linked to lost productivity rather than health
care (DOH, 2009).
In line with Grampian Health plan and improve health and reduce health inequalities, his project support’s five
of NHS Grampian’s proposed key priorities for the next three years, April 2010 - 2013
Higher numbers of children and adults overweight or obese
Poor mental health, in particular depression
That more people are living with chronic conditions and they need the right support to help them to live well
A growing number of older people who need support in order to have a good quality of life, despite any illness they may have, and we need to make sure we have the right services to support conditions more likely to occur with ageing such as dementia
Heart disease, cancer, stroke, smoking-related lung disease, and diabetes continue to be the main causes of illness and death in Grampian. A large part of these diseases can be prevented.
In reference to the 2009.10 GP Patient Experience Survey for Gathdee Medical Group, the ‘Green Gym’ aims to
address one of the bottom 5 questions with the highest % negative for the surgery. Addressing the question of
‘Patients are involved as much as they want to be in decisions about their care and treatment’, this project
gives another therapy to offer the patient when deemed appropriate, as an informed choice about their care
and treatment. Currently the Garthdee Medical Group falls below national average (85% compared to 90%) in
this area of patient experience.
5. Aims and objectives
a) What is the project aim?
Increase physical activity levels of patients referred by Garthdee Medical Group for specific controlled conditions at RGU
Improve the health of patients referred by Garthdee Medical Group for specific controlled conditions based at RGU
b) What are the project objectives?
Encourage and empower patients referred by Garthdee Medical Group to develop and maintain an allotment based on the RGU site
Increase physical activity opportunities for patients referred by Garthdee Medical Group
Improve access to healthy home grown produce
Create an environment conducive to promoting positive well-being
6. What are the expected benefits / outcomes of this project for the target group?
Allotments provide an array of recreational, social and environmental benefits and include contributing to
physical and mental well being, through providing a source of fresh fruit and vegetables to improve diet,
supporting an active lifestyle for people of all ages, particularly those who may not like traditional types of
exercise and encouraging social interaction and lifelong learning (Farmer, 2006). Physical health issues
including coronary heart disease and obesity are inextricably linked to sedentary and indoor lifestyles (CDC
1996, DCMS 2002, DoH 2004). Exposure to nature makes people feel good (Maller et al 2002) and research
suggests that nature positively effects health by promoting recovery from stressful situations and also has an
immunising effect to protect people from future stress (Pretty et al 2005). Furthermore, features of the built
environment can have a negative effect on mental state, behaviour and interpersonal relationships (Tuan 1977,
Freeman 1984, Franklin 2001). Developing an allotment will create an enhanced sense of identity for the
exercise referral scheme, ownership and pride of the patients referred whilst instilling new skills that can be
sustained beyond the life of the project.
7. Background to the proposed project
a) How have you identified a need for this project?
Leisure providing settings are large social units, and combining sociological and psychological approaches has
the potential to create environments which are conducive to developing health promoting behaviours (Whitelaw et al, 2001). Exercise referral schemes are an interesting setting to develop the ‘green gym’ health promotion
intervention. As a setting, referral schemes have a primary role to provide access to physical activity
opportunities for patients with specific controlled conditions. Often based in deprived neighbourhoods, exercise referral schemes are a valuable resource and provide a hub enabling partners from LA’s, PCT’s to deliver
physical activity interventions direct to the local community. The Scottish Government describes areas that come
in the bottom 15% of the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation are classed as showing signs of being most
deprived. These data zones are compared with 6,505 others throughout Scotland. There are 2 data zones within the RGU area within 15-20% most deprived areas in Scotland. These areas are Garthdee and Kincorth. Out of the
267 data zones for Aberdeen these areas are ranked 33 and 36 respectively. The literature on the subject of
community health initiatives appears to conclude that it is actually the patient ownership that gains results in terms of a positive impact on personal morale and self-perceptions of productivity (Shepherd, 1989). Whilst
other studies confirm the benefits to mental and physical health from exercise, highlighting lower blood pressure
and higher self-esteem with a positive effect on mood (Pretty et al, 2005). From a dietary perspective, studies also confirm that an increase in healthy food choice from health promoting initiatives does influence general
attitudes to food (Roos, Sarlio-Lahteenkorva & Lallukka, 2004). Furthermore, ‘Green Gyms’ is an approach
which has been developed through the BTCV organisation to increase physical activity through alternative forms
of physical activity such as gardening. Gardening is seen as a suitable activity which appeals to all age ranges and also has the benefit of improving mild-moderate mental health episodes.
b) What geographic area will the project cover?
The project will initially cover the council ward of Garthdee, together with RGU building developments of a
proposed footbridge over the River Dee, this opens up the potential for further more accessible work with
Medical Centres in the Kincorth area.
c) At whom is the project targeted i.e. who will benefit and how many beneficiaries will there be?
The first six months of the project will link in with the established exercise referral scheme dealing with patients
referred by Garthdee Medical Practice for obesity, diabetes and mental health (anxiety, stress and depression).
The purpose of this is to allow an initial small controlled throughput of patients as the allotment is established.
Following on from this the project will link again with Garthdee Medical Practice Keep Well Programme offering
an opportunity for patients between 45 and 64 years old to be referred to an appropriate informed
intervention. It is anticipated that the project will be referred 12 patients per month as part of the exercise on
referral scheme, but this number will grow as more referrals are made through the Keep Well Programme over
the course of the year. This project not only benefits the 144 patients directly involved, but to friends, family
and the wider community also.
d) How does this project aim to tackle health inequalities?
As detailed by the Scottish Government publication Healthy Eating, Active Living: An action plan to
improve diet, increase physical activity and tackle obesity (2008-2011), this project will fall in line with
the governments proposed expansion of green gyms to tackle health inequalities across Scotland, as
a scheme that inspires participants to improve their health and the environment at the same
time. It offers them the opportunity to 'work out' in the open air through local, practical
environmental or gardening work. The Green Gym has: involved approximately 10,000
volunteers in improving over 2,500 green spaces. There are now 95 Green Gyms across the UK
with 17 in Scotland. The Scottish government have stated their support for the expansion of the
BTCV led "Green Gyms" programme across Scotland to increase the number to 56 by 2012.
e) Detail any evidence based practice that will contribute to the outcomes of the project
Allotments provide an array of recreational, social and environmental benefits and include contributing to
physical and mental well being, through providing a source of fresh fruit and vegetables to improve diet,
supporting an active lifestyle for people of all age, particularly those who may not like traditional types of
exercise and encouraging social interaction and lifelong learning (Farmer, 2006). Exposure to nature makes
people feel good (Maller et al, 2002) and research suggests that nature positively effects health by promoting
recovery from stressful situations and also has an immunising effect to protect people from future stress
(Pretty et al, 2005).
Presented to the International Healthy Cities Conference held in Belfast in late 2003, the following is a summary
of the effectiveness of Green Gyms focusing on Northern Ireland. Over four years after the first pilot Green
Gym was set up 80% of the original participants still regularly attend (O’Riley 2003). Between April 2002 and
March 2003 the overall adherence rates for the nine ongoing Northern Ireland Green gyms was 90% (Keys,
2003). In England, where Green Gyms rely heavily on referral from GPs adherence rates are lower and more
variable, but still encouraging. In East Sussex 48% of participants remained involved for at least six months
(Reynolds, 2002) while in the Sonning Common Green Gym the figure was 72% (Reynolds, 1999). The Northern
Ireland figures compare very favorably with those from fitness suites and other exercise programmes where
dropout rates are up to 50% in the first six months (Reynolds, 2002).
8. Who will be involved in the project?
a) How will the target group be recruited or take part in the services or activities?
The initial target group of referred patients for specific controlled conditions are recruited through the
established exercise referral scheme with Garthdee Medical Practice. Patients at the point of initial assessment
with the referral officer will be offered the ‘Green Gym’ as part of their programme. This opportunity will also
be discussed with the patient by the GP, practice nurse and community nurse at the point of referral. Following
this patients will be recruited from the Keep Well programme again through Garthdee Medical Practice. The
‘Green Gym’ will be offered as one of the services that the practice staff can signpost the patient to as part of
the Keep Well health check.
b) With whom are you working in partnership to develop/implement this project and/or who have
you consulted?
We are working in partnership with Garthdee Medical Practice, BTCV and the Allotment Association to enable
development of the allotment site and work with specified groups to encourage usage for referred patients
with specific controlled conditions and furthermore part of the Keep Well Programme. Aberdeen Forward has
been consulted in the further development of this project once the Health Improvement Funding stops.
9. Detailed cost breakdown
Include all costs including e.g. staff, training and resources.
No costs labelled as ‘miscellaneous’ will be funded.
Cost breakdown Projected expenditure
Greenhouse (10’ x 8’) £550.30
Tools (forks, spades, hoes, wheelbarrows, water butt) £545.00
Adult Gloves £28.99
Seed trays and plant plots £55.60
Seeds and Plants £400.00
Compost £260.00
Raised Beds £1002.70
Incidentals (labels, canes, garden string) £320.00
Stone slabs for pathways £550.00
Poly Tunnels x 2 £670.00
Allotment Officer’s time In Kind
Total budget requested
£4,382.59
10. Timescale
Start: 01/04/11
End: 01/04/12
11. How do you plan to continue the work when the funding stops? Please tell us about your exit strategy
Consultations are already in place with Aberdeen Forward to help continue the work when the funding stops.
Aberdeen Forward bring considerable skills and experience to the table. They have been running grant funded
projects and programmes since 2003 and have recently surpassed the £1,000,000 mark in successful
applications. In addition to their experience in managing projects, they have recently been recommended for
the Investing in Volunteers award which acknowledges the support and guidance they provide to a team of
over 100 active volunteers. With an experienced project management team who are comfortable monitoring
and evaluating their work, Aberdeen Forward is ideally placed to develop and run the ‘Green Gym’ project with
RGU and Garthdee Medical Practice.
12. Have you applied for, or are you intending to apply for, or received any other funding / assistance in kind,
to develop and support this particular project? If yes, please specify.
As noted above, RGU in partnership with Aberdeen Forward is intending to apply for further funding to provide
a seamless transition of the project and further development once the Health Improvement Funding stops.
13. Is this project dependent on securing matched funding from another source? If yes, please specify and
state if funding has been secured.
This project is not dependant on securing matched funding from another source
14. How do you plan to monitor and evaluate this project?
a) How will you demonstrate that the aim and objectives have been achieved?
A mixed methods approach will be used to demonstrate aims and objectives have been achieved.
Questionnaires, focus groups and case studies will be used to collect quantitative and qualitative data from the
patients about their experiences of the ‘Green Gym’ project and their sense of wellbeing. Although a mixed
methods approach is deemed to be more appropriate for this type of evaluation it can have disadvantages in
increased time and costs. Researchers on site at RGU are offering their time in kind to help monitor and
evaluate, which will reduce the costs of this project. A sealed suggestion box (which will be emptied weekly)
will be available for any of the patients to post suggestions as to ideas for making the project work better.
Suggestions will be considered at the referral steering group meetings, helping to monitor and improve the
project.
b) How will you demonstrate that the expected benefits/outcomes of this project have been met?
Although initial quantitative output will assess number of increased users on the allotment, number of referrals
from Garthdee Medical Practice, physical activity levels, the demonstrated benefit will be assessed through
other success indicators. These include measurement of increased users of the allotment from a range of ages
associated with the Keep Well programme, mainstreaming of Allotment Officers post and overall increased
referrals through other statutory organisations including social services.
c) What evaluation tools will be used to evaluate the project?
The evaluation will be conducted using an Introductory Questionnaire and a Continuation Questionnaire, which will be distributed by the project leader during ‘Green Gym’ sessions. The questionnaires include:
SF12: version 2, a standardised health status survey.
Modified questionnaires previously developed by BTCV on ‘motivations for joining’ and ‘benefits of Green Gym to the community’
Demographic questions of participants, including their previous conservation activities.
A self-report physical activities inventory, which will be ‘translated’ into Metabolic Equivalent Tasks (METs); a measure of energy expenditure.
The continuation questionnaire will be completed after a minimum of 3 months.
d) How have you planned for any risks related to the successful delivery of the project?
Successful project implementation is often difficult and complex as changes may have to be made once
implementation has started due to a variety of factors including human, financial and technical (Slevin and
Pinto, 1987). Therefore it is imperative that this plan remains flexible to organisational change.
Potential risks include:
Securing funding- providing an appropriate bid to relevant agencies
Securing appropriate and suitable land for the garden plot which ideally should be covered by existing
insurance
Infrastructure of land- ensure it is appropriate and safe to grow produce, that water is available and
stop tap for water fitted outside the building for use in the garden
That the garden is secure to prevent vandalism
Identification of ‘stakeholders’ to form a steering group to keep the project focused and check aims and
objectives are being fulfilled
Recruitment of two community champions and volunteers to work in the garden
Management of ‘volunteers’- health and safety, education that may be needed, regular meetings
Coordinating work in the garden- rotas, rules, list of chores
Informing local residents to reduce possible complaints of increased noise, access
Allotment design
Purchasing equipment for use in the garden.
Rewards and incentives
Initiating a local network of ‘Keep Well allotments’ to provide ongoing support
Evaluation of the project at key points to assess if aims and objectives are being met
Access to the allotment at the weekend or 'out of hours'
15. Have you previously applied to HIF? If yes, please give name of project and date of application
NO
16. Declaration / contact person for proposal
Please give the name and contact address of the individual that will act as lead for the initiative.
Please note that under the Data Protection Act we are required to advise you that these personal details will be
held for the purposes of administration of the funding only.
The information given to support this application for Health Improvement Funding is accurate at the time of
completion.
Signed:
NAME: PHIL CARVER
ADDRESS:
SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES
FACULTY OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE
ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY
GARTHDEE ROAD
ABERDEEN
POSTAL CODE: AB10 7QG
TEL: 01224 263276
FAX: 01224 263290
EMAIL: [email protected]
17. Data Protection
This information may be used by or on behalf of NHS Grampian for the purposes of the assessment, evaluation
and monitoring of applications for Health Improvement Funding. Please let us know if you do not wish the
information in this application to be retained on file for this purpose.
I consent for the above information to be kept on file.
Prior to completing the application form, it is strongly advised that you contact one of the Public Health Co-
ordinators for advice and guidance as well as referring to the application guidance document.
Marlene Westland (Central)
Tel: 01224 555291
Joanne Adamson (South)
Tel: 01224 555367
Julie Morrison (North)
Tel: 01224 555229
COMPLETED APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SIGNED AND RETURNED BY EMAIL OR POST TO:
Anna Britain
Administrator
Public Health Team – Aberdeen City
Denburn Health Centre
Rosemount Viaduct
Aberdeen AB25 1QB.
Email: [email protected]
For office use only:
Date received
Project reference
Date acknowledged
Additional information requested
Bid accepted / declined
14.6 The Bulletin (all student and staff weekly email)
| Connecting the University | 1 April 2011 |
Dealing with exam stress
The Student Counselling and Wellbeing Service and the Study Skills
and Access Unit are offering 3 sessions for students on how to deal
with exam stress and anxiety, on Wednesday 13, 20 and 27 April from
2-3pm.
Please email [email protected] or call 262120 to book a place.
Self-defence class
RGU: SPORT is running a self-defence class on Sunday 10 April from
1-2.30pm, taught by karate expert Ronnie Watt OBE, who was
recently awarded the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun. The course
costs £12 and places can be booked by calling 263666.
14.7 Mental Health Campaign Committee (MHCC)
14.7.1 Agenda
14.7.2 Minutes from MHCC Meeting
Overview of what has been done so far
Naked calendar
On campus student campaign
Societies – St Andrews and Sports Teams
Go ahead on refreshers week
Stressercise - continue working on and who for?
Student exam campaign
Mental Health Campaign Committee Meeting
Agenda
Friday 10th December 2010 12:00
1. Welcome 2. Apologies 3. Update from last meeting 4. Naked Calendar 5. On campus presence- refreshers week 6. Student Support Group 7. Stressercise 8. Criteria for Healthy Body, Healthy Mind 9. AOCB 10. Close Meeting
RA’s
Ross – video on mental health
Exam stress counselling
Exercise referral
Podcasts – feedback – audio - Download a clip to put on their phone - Radio?
Apps on Phone – promote - Weekly tips - Exercise routines - Push info on students
NHS texting service – drinking – tips
Stressercise - Meeting new people - Not just the exercise - Filter into timetable
Look into doing another sports day in the second semester
Having a drop in or a number of sessions? - Do not want people to depend on the classes - Maybe come up with a strategy - Long term? Short term? - How do you evaluate? - Ability to move on
Need to have most stuff achieved by April 2011.
Referral system can be up and running quickly
Looking into garden and vegetable growing
Research into mental health in students
Leanne’s exams finish on 10th January so will be available after that
Rod – group based on referral - Not open - Not on timetable - Neil to get involved - Costs
‘exercise referral’ – branding it? - Do not want lots of parts - Need to brand
Next meeting Thursday 27th at 12:00.
14.8 Appendix 8- Abstract for Paper “Opening Doors – Enabling healthcare students with disabilities to reach their
potential”
Abstract Submission
1. Main presenter title: Professor
2. Name: Brian James Webster
3. Job Title: Head of School
4. Employer: Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen,
Scotland
5. Mailing Address: School of Nursing & Midwifery, Garthdee
Road, Garthdee, Aberdeen, AB10 7QG
6. E-mail address: [email protected]
7. Day time telephone number: 01224 262981
8. Title, name, job title, employer of any other presenters: Student Nurse (3rd
year Adult ) – Adam MacDonald , School of Nursing & Midwifery, Robert
Gordon University,
9. Title of the paper/poster: A student led approach for students with
mental health problems
10. Type of presentation: Concurrent:
11. Theme presentation relates to: Support for students with mental health
problems
12. Abstract (maximum 300 words) The concerns around higher education
students with mental health problems appears to be an intensifying issue. The
Robert Gordon University has an active and vibrant student association which
has been working with staff across the University to address and support
student’s needs. With a focus on equality and inclusivity, three key initiatives
are worthy of dissemination; the mental health first aid project, the student
health point and the growing establishment and work of a mental health
committee. All initiatives have been student led with background support from
the academic and support services community. This paper will identify the
strengths, challenges and benefits of such initiatives and highlight the key
drivers for establishing such initiatives within other higher education
institution. Mental Health First Aid is a Scottish government initiatives
facilitated by NUS Scotland, providing a 12 hour course to enable students to
develop an insight, awareness and a level of intervention for other students
who may be tormented from a mental health issue (Hart 2009). This ongoing
initiative is student led within the institution and has trained 25 students to
date Student health point is another student led idea working in partnership
with the Universities own Nurse Practitioner from within the School of Nursing
& Midwifery. The health point is currently being established on campus and
managed by the students association to provide health information and advice
from a campus based Nurse Practitioner; this too has a focus but not
exclusively on mental health (Walsh 2006). Finally a Mental Health Committee
has been established to look at areas of stigma and labelling and to increase
opportunities for physical health and exercise for those in the student
community with a mental health problem (Manthorpe 2002). These projects
allow students to manage and embed creative solutions for the student
community and evaluation is due to commence shortly.
13. Three key words: students – mental health - solutions
14. References: Hart, M., (2009). Scotland’s mental health first aid. Edinburgh:
NHS Health Scotland.
Manthorpe, J. (2002) Students mental health needs:
problems and responses. Jessica Kingsley. London.
Walsh, M. (2006) Nurse Practitioners: clinical skills and
professional issues. Butterworth-Heinemann. London
