The inaugural 'Take 5' cohort complete their programme
The ‘Take 5’ programme is a joint initiative between University of Edinburgh Sport & Exercise and the Student Wellbeing service that seeks to act as a vehicle for lifestyle change by encouraging participants to be open minded and reflect on how engaging physical activity can positively impact their mental wellbeing.
Over the course of 5 weeks, participants who are referred to the programme from the Student Wellbeing Service, take part in a variety of activities on a weekly basis for 2 hours on Wednesday afternoons.
The first iteration of the programme, which was piloted in Semester 1, encouraged the cohort of 6 students, to get active by participating in a 'Feel Good' walks, litter picking, indoor climbing, a gym session and an introduction to the game of Boccia.
Following completion of the programme, the students were asked to provide feedback to help evaluate its impact and develop and improve the experience of future cohorts.
Student feedback
Every course was very useful, I learned a lot about food, sleep emotion and student wellbeing. It also gives me a chance to be social, communicate with others. I explored some previously untrodden paths
The small group format, helped me make connections with others and stay connected, which has made me feel less lonely and isolated at University
I found confidence and common interests with the others here, which gives me motivation to enhance exercise in the future
Move more, more often
The Active Lives Team is a dedicated resource within University Sport & Exercise whose mission is get members of the University community moving more, more often. The Team aims to changes lives and improve the physical and mental wellbeing of students and staff by designing and delivering a range of physical activity programmes and initiatives which breakdown barriers to physical activity and inspire people to become more physically active.