In celebration of World Mental Health Day, Singapore Management University (SMU) hosted a month-long series of wellness activities aimed at promoting mental wellbeing and resilience within the SMU community. This initiative is part of the university’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and fostering a holistic approach to student and staff welfare, with the Mrs Wong Kwok Leong Student Wellness Centre (MWKLSWC) leading the charge in raising awareness of mental health issues across campus.
The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day celebrations, Creating Communities, Strengthening Ties, focused on the importance of building social and emotional resilience. The university worked closely with various campus organizations, student clubs, and external agencies to offer a variety of activities, talks, and workshops that encouraged community building and self-care.
A Month of Wellness Activities
The highlight of the month was a two-day roadshow held at the SMU T-Junction from 17 to 18 October, which attracted around 800 members of the SMU community. The roadshow featured a series of fun and engaging activities that aimed to foster connection and promote mental wellness. One standout event was Café Conversations, hosted by the SMU Students’ Association (SMUSA). This community-building activity provided participants with a space to have meaningful conversations and connect with fellow students. Another popular activity, Gaming Galore by the Student Council of Discipline, put a fun twist on the classic game of Jenga by incorporating stress-relief discussions, allowing participants to share their self-care practices while building the tower.
Andrea Rebareyo, a second-year student from the School of Social Sciences, shared her experience: “It was interesting to engage in deep conversations with strangers at the Café Conversations booth.”
In addition to these, Beyond Barriers, organized by Student Accessibility Support, gave participants the chance to experience simulated visual and physical challenges, highlighting the importance of inclusive design and respectful interactions. The workshop aimed to foster greater empathy and understanding of how assistive technology can create a more accessible environment for all.
Another insightful event, The 5 Love Languages by Voices@SMU, explored the different ways people express affection and connect with others, offering participants valuable tools for improving relationships.
Highlights of the Roadshow
One of the heartwarming moments of the roadshow was the Gratitude Buzz, organized in collaboration with the SMU Psychology Society. Participants wrote messages of appreciation and placed them on the Gratitude Tree, which was displayed at the Li Ka Shing Library until the end of the term. This activity encouraged reflection on positive experiences and contributed to a culture of gratitude and kindness on campus.
The Making Memories photo booth, hosted by SMU Student Care and Support Services, allowed participants to capture meaningful moments, offering them personalized keepsakes as a reminder of the event. The Ripple Effect, a collaboration with the Singapore Kindness Movement, also inspired creativity and kindness through activities that focused on community-building and emotional support.
For students seeking mindfulness and stress-relief techniques, Zen Oasis, in partnership with REACH Community Services Ltd, offered a series of mindfulness exercises and grounding techniques. These practices helped participants relax, reconnect, and improve their sleep.
First-year student AI Neo from the Lee Kong Chian School of Business reflected, “During Mental Health Week, I gained valuable insights and useful tips that I can apply throughout my academic journey, helping me manage stress and enhance my overall well-being.”
Wellness Activities for Faculty and Staff
In addition to the student-focused events, MWKLSWC partnered with SMU’s Office of Human Resources to organize wellness activities for faculty and staff. From 7 to 24 October, employees participated in a range of rejuvenating activities such as sound bath therapy, soothing back massages provided by the visually impaired, leathercraft workshops, and essential oil rollerball crafting. Talks focused on caregiving and parenting also provided valuable insights to help staff manage personal and professional responsibilities more effectively. These activities, much like those for students, were quickly filled due to high demand.
Mental Health Book Display
MWKLSWC also collaborated with SMU Libraries to create a special Book Display at the Li Ka Shing Library from 14 October to 8 November. The display featured a carefully curated selection of books focused on mental health and wellbeing, including The Lonely Century by Noreena Hertz, The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown, and Big Panda and Tiny Dragon by James Norbury.
Fostering an Environment of Support
SMU’s emphasis on Creating Communities, Strengthening Ties through these wellness activities reflects the university’s commitment to supporting the mental health of its entire community. By encouraging open dialogue, promoting positive mental health practices, and fostering a culture of care, SMU aims to build stronger, more resilient connections among students, faculty, and staff. Through these initiatives, SMU continues to prioritize mental wellbeing, ensuring that all members of its community have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.
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