The importance of self-care is being emphasised this World Mental Health Day (Monday 10 October).

The NHS-led Every Mind Matters campaign is encouraging us all to ‘Be kind to your mind’, with expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental wellbeing and make them part of your daily routine.

The University of Cambridge has also launched its Reach Out campaign, encouraging students to seek support for any academic and pastoral need. For more information visit the University’s Student Support webpages.

Gonville & Caius College Head of Wellbeing Anne Limon Duparcmeur says: “Self-care can be interpreted in many different manners and looks different at different times, but what remains is the benefit value.

“We are very good in showing up for the people we love. Can we show the same love and compassion to ourselves, particularly when we are at our most vulnerable?”

Dr Rebecca Sugden, a Tutor at Caius, discusses the importance of self-care

Senior Tutor Dr Andrew Spencer says: “A major priority of all staff and academics at Caius is the health and wellbeing of our students.

“The College community can offer support in numerous ways, through the tutorial system, peer support in the GCSU and MCR, or staff support, such as Anne and her team. We can also link with key University resources, such as the University Counselling Service and the Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre.”

Caians are made aware of the support systems in place at the start of each academic term, and full details are on The Venn, the College intranet.

Read an interview with Anne from 2021: https://www.cai.cam.ac.uk/news/compassionate-care

The QR code for the University of Cambridge's student support webpages