Rachael, who is studying for an MSc in Health and Wellbeing, is an ambassador for mental health service MindMate and the founder of Thoughtful Minds UK, an online platform which promotes mental health and wellbeing through poetry and written word. She recently spoke to BBC Radio Leeds about the importance of looking after your mental health, especially during lockdown. 

During the interview, Rachael discussed growing up as young carer, becoming a parent and transitioning from school to higher education, completing an undergraduate degree in Counselling Psychology at Leeds Trinity in 2019. 

Rachael also shared her own mental health experiences and her advice for those seeking support. She said: “Take each minute as it comes: if you can’t see the next day, just focus on each coming hour. Do things that promote self-care – it might be taking a bath, or even a bit of meditation or watching your favourite show. But most importantly, speak to your friends and family and if you can’t contact them, reach out to support services, because there are people listening.” 

She added: “With social media it’s so easy to connect with everyday people and share your mental health experiences online. I find it really powerful reading other people’s stories and finding truth in what they’re saying – it helps on a bad day to know other people have overcome that.”

Rachael has also spoken about the support she’s received as a student at Leeds Trinity. Since April 2020, the University has transferred vital student services online via the myLTU app to help them manage their studies and mental health and wellbeing, as well as extending Student Support service hours from 9.00am to 10.00pm, seven days a week. 

Students can access mental health resources, contact a wide range of student support professionals, and book face-to-face online appointments through the app. As part of this, students can book counselling appointments with the Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Service, allowing them to understand and explore their difficulties in a safe and confidential environment. The team also creates weekly guided relaxation sessions, provides information on self-help tools and signposts students to more specialised services. All students have also been given access to the University’s ‘Headspace’ and mental resilience programme. 

Other wellbeing initiatives include the #LTUnity campaign, which, in conjunction with Leeds Trinity Students’ Union, Trinity Sport, Trinity Fitness and the Chaplaincy, provides safe social activities, such as a virtual quizzes, race nights and weekly wellbeing sessions. 

Ruth Wilson, Director of Student Support and Engagement, said: “We understand how difficult this period has been for students and we want to make sure that we do everything we can to make sure that they feel supported both personally and academically. We are committed to providing every student with the support they need, and have extended our student support service hours to reflect this. 

“We have created a dedicated ‘Accessing Support’ tile on the myLTU app, so that students can find information about all support services in one place, and book online face-to-face appointments with a wide range of student support professionals for help and guidance in learning, teaching, mental health and wellbeing, finance and welfare.” 

To find out more information on the support available, please visit the Student Support and Wellbeing area of the website.