“It’s OK” to not be OK

The stress and struggles of university life can be too easily overlooked. This week, the SU have taken it upon themselves to promote and protect the mental health and wellbeing of Warwick students.

The “It’s OK” campaign was launched on Monday with a ‘chill-out’ area set up in the IKEA space.

Students were welcomed and encouraged to take a break in the space, and talk to SU Welfare Advisor Luke Pilot.

The campaign was devised to help those students who are feeling lonely and isolated by their struggles to reach out and embrace receiving the help available.

The campaign is making an effort to ensure students know that whatever problems they are facing, they are not alone and they can seek support from the SU Advice Centre or Student Support Services.

A typical year at university requires changes in lifestyle, environment and workload – which is not always easy – and the campaign tells students that “It’s OK’ to find these things hard.

The point of the campaign is to make students understand it’s OK to not be OK.
Luke Pilot, Welfare Officer

The Boar got in touch with Luke Pilot, Warwick’s welfare officer, to ask about why this campaign is important.

Pilot stated: “The “It’s OK’ campaign came about when we identified Term 1 as a particularly difficult time for students.”

“It’s OK” in particular reaches out to students who may have experienced mental health problems before and find themselves concerned about new challenges in a new environment, or those who are diversely-abled and are worried about being able to engage fully in their education and extra-curricular activities.

Luke Pilot added: “We want to make sure our students know they are not alone and there are many different avenues of support; no matter how serious their situation is, someone can and will help.”

“The point of the campaign is to make students understand it’s OK to not be OK.”