Amie Says

Student Groups focused on yours and others' physical health

Posted on Tue 10 Nov 2020 at 17:15

Everything that’s going on right now has been very tough on you as students. So it’s really important to look after both your mental and physical health.

Throughout this month so far we’ve spoken about mental health, but this blog is all about the student groups which are largely focused on physical health, whether that’s looking after your own health or that of others.

All of these societies are running virtually, accepting new members and are providing lots of great opportunities to get involved and stay connected. Check them out…

Breast Cancer Awareness:

Dearest Guys, Gals and Non Binary Pals. Do you love glitter, pink and all things boobs?

We aim to help young people know their bodies, what is normal to them, recognise the signs of breast cancer and raise lots of money for the Coppafeel charity!

We want to make it known that anyone can get breast cancer, which includes 400 men and 1/8 of women in the UK each year.

We host amazing events such as Boobs, Beats and Brunch, Boob Dodgeball, Boobie Bake Sales, Boob Pong, Boob Raves and so much more all for a great cause.

Join the boob revolution for just £6, which is donated straight to Coppafeel!

Bloodsoc:

Are you interested in giving blood? Bloodsoc provides an organised, supportive network of like-minded people wishing to donate. Learn more about BloodSoc.

First Aid Society:

Our society is connected to a student-run St. John’s Ambulance unit, which provides those who join with several opportunities, the most common of which is volunteering at events up and down the country, both large and small!

In the past year our volunteers have provided the highest quality of first aid cover at Aston Villa, Birmingham Pride, St Patrick's day and London Marathon to name a few. It's not all big events, as we can be found roaming events at the Vale, university open days and local fates.

As well as events cover, SJA have several opportunities for you to get involved, including;

- Fundraising

- Teaching the next generation vital First Aid and life skills.

- Ensuring events and training runs smoothly and safely.

- Outreach programs in local communities and schools to ensure that first aid is known.

No prior experience is needed. If you’d like to find out more, please email us - we're a friendly bunch and always happy to answer any questions or queries you may have!

From Another Society?

We are always welcome to helping others out, first aid is a skill that everyone should have access to! Just email us to ask about what we can do for you!.

Marrow:

Every year, thousands of people worldwide with diseases like leukaemia reach a stage in their illness where their only hope of survival is a bone marrow stem cell transplant. Sometimes a family member makes a good donor, but when they don't, doctors must turn to a register of people who are willing to donate their stem cells.

As Marrow, we organise clinics where any student can do something remarkable and join the bone marrow register. We also work together to spread the word that someone like you can be a lifesaver. We'd love to meet you to chat about joining the register.

If you want to be more involved, you can be one of our counsellors and/or help fundraise for our parent charity Anthony Nolan, which matches donors to people who need a transplant.

As one of our trained volunteers/counsellors you will inform students about the medical issues regarding stem cell transplants and ensure everyone signing up is aware of what it involves. We are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers and you can be as involved and busy you like, no pressure. Get to know us on Facebook or Twitter and email us with any questions.

Sexpression:

Hello! We are the local branch of Sexpression:UK, a national student-lead volunteering organization which aims to create a relaxed environment for young people learning about relationships and sex. We try to achieve this by delivering interactive and informal sessions to facilitate an open dialogue that young people feel comfortable with.

We believe in:

- Creating opportunities to discuss sexual health matters in an open, non-judgmental environment

- Promoting individual self-esteem and empowerment

- Encouraging respect for personal beliefs and values

- Facilitating informed decision-making and autonomy regarding sex and sexual health

- Ensuring that young people have the skills to access sources of confidential advice

We deliver informal, fun, student-led sex and relationship sessions consisting of a programme of 4 hour-long sessions usually delivered on Wednesday afternoons. We are also involved in fundraising events and health promotion across campus, such as raising awareness for HIV and AIDS.

Sexpression is a volunteering organisation that also provides sex education in local schools, promotes sexual awareness and offers a forum for school pupils to ask any question about sex and STIs, in confidence.

We are looking for members to join as volunteers, interested? Feel free to drop us an email to learn all about the role and check us out on Facebook.

Gluten Free:

Hello! We're a supportive and social student group, open to Coeliacs, those who are gluten intolerant or have chosen to be gluten free as a lifestyle choice! Join us today at Gluten Free Soc, the first uni society where no one is left out of the fun.

We welcome questions or comments via email and we invite you to interact with us over on Facebook or Instagram. #glutenfreeisrightforme #nomoremissingout #trustyourgut

Sign Language:

The society is a sign language group which teaches students basic sign language. We usually run a British Sign Language (BSL) Level 1 course, which covers: the alphabet, numbers, colours, the calendar, describing yourself and your family, jobs, directions and many more.

Unfortunately, owing to Covid-19 the BSL level 1 and 2 courses have been suspended, but the Committee will still be teaching basic sign language including all the same topics! This is a great opportunity to get an introduction to BSL and get some practice before doing the course next year! (Covid-19 permitting).

We will be running weekly informal lessons via Zoom, learn more on Facebook. There will also be guest speakers and socials so keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram.

Learn more about our society and how to get involved.

Sports clubs:

A great way of looking after your physical health is by staying active. At UoB we have a mixture of sporting and recreational societies, some of which belong to UB Sports and others which belong to the Guild, including:

Afro-dance

Ballroom and Latin American Dance Society