Groups
Find details below of SMART Recovery Group, BlackChat and Cutting Through the Noise, and LGBTQ+ drop-in sessions led by Birmingham LGBT.
Groups held in the Beale Room, Aston Webb Building (opposite the Student Hub) can be found at R7 on the campus map.
SMART Recovery Group
SMART takes place every Wednesday from 1:30 to 3:00PM in the Beale Room, Aston Webb.
You are very welcome to just turn up. If you would like to ask any questions about SMART Recovery, just drop us an email on mhw@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
You can read more about SMART Recovery and what to expect at the meetings by reading the blog entry 'Getting help with addiction the SMART way'.
Time to take back control with SMART Recovery at UoB!
Struggling with addiction? To alcohol, drugs, phones, social media, porn, shopping….or anything that feels like it’s getting in the way of living your life.
BlackChat
Following the success of last year’s launch, BlackChat will be returning on Tuesday 14th February 2023 and will be running for 6 weeks. BlackChat is a therapeutic talking group which allows students to engage with each other in a safe space to connect, share, and together find helpful ways to manage mental health & wellbeing whilst at university through group discussions.
The group will run each Tuesday at 2pm-3:30pm in the Beale Room starting from February 14th for students at University of Birmingham who identify as Black (African, Caribbean, Mixed with Black heritage).
The purpose: University students experience complex academic, psychological, social, emotional and financial pressures. Research shows that Black students in particular face specific additional pressures that can negatively impact mental health, overall university experience and outcomes.
What happens: BlackChat is facilitated by a Psychotherapist however it is student group. This group allows space for students to just “be”. The group works by free-flowing discussions, meaning there will be no set agenda by the facilitator. Students will be asked to “check-in” at the beginning of each group and from there the group will decide what will be explored week to week.
How to attend: Come as you are. There is no need to register, please turn up to the Beale Room (opposite the Student Hub, Aston Webb Building) Tuesdays at 2pm. This is a drop-in group so you can attend as many as you wish. Spaces for each group are limited to 12 people, students arriving after capacity has been met will be asked to return the following week.
For more information, please email Sarah-Jane Otoo at: S.Otoo@bham.ac.uk
Cutting Through the Noise
Following the success of our pilot group earlier this year, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Service is delighted to announce a six session group designed specifically to address the experiences of men and mental health.
In a world of conflicting narratives and concepts around masculinity and mental health, it can be challenging for men to find a clear sense of position and focus. It is well documented that males experience struggle yet are under-represented in terms of how they engage with different forms of mental health support.
It is hoped that this will provide some protected time to discuss some of the key challenges facing men in the modern world- a place where students who identify as male can meet with others and discuss fundamental topics such as relationships, supporting yourself, developing goals and dealing with anger.
This will take the form of six 90 minute sessions which will include a brief introduction of the sessions’ theme by one of our three facilitators, using a range of presentation and facilitation methods
Dates, Times & Venue: All sessions are 90 minutes long and will take place at Westmere House on Edgbaston Park Road, from 10.30am to 12pm, on the following dates:
Tuesday 20th June- The Challenges of Male Mental Health
Tuesday 27th June- Relationships and Friendships
Tuesday 4th July- Social Media pressures and comparisons with others
Tuesday 18th July- Emotional Regulation
Tuesday 25th July- Alcohol and substance use
Tuesday 1st August- What it means to be a man
All sessions will be facilitated by Jack Carter, Jeff Wilday and Leon Burley from the University Wellbeing Service. No prior registration is required - just turn up at the beginning of the session. We will meet you outside the building as the venue requires swipe card access.
There is no requirement to participate in the all the sessions, and new participants are welcome to join after the first session. Please note that the dates of the planned themes may change.
If you require further information, please contact Jeff on J.Wilday@bham.ac.uk
LGBTQ+
Are you LGBTQ+ and a student at UoB?
Led by Birmingham LGBT and supported by Umbrella, please feel welcome to drop-in for free sexual health and rapid HIV testing, wellbeing support and signposting. No appointments necessary; this is a drop-in service.
Each session will be held at the Lodge, near North Gate, B15 2SB (off Pritchatts Road).
The sessions will be run on the following dates:
- Monday 6th February
- Monday 27th February
- Monday 20th March
- Monday 24th April
- Monday 22nd May
- Monday 12th June
You can contact Birmingham LGBT on their website and by calling 0121 643 0821.
