Kingston University’s politics department has shifted its focus on mental health as the underlying theme for its annual ‘Themed Week’ programme.
Held every November, the themed week aims to deliver the core message of its themes with a series of lectures, discussions and talks.
Simon Choat, a KU politics lecturer, said: “We chose the theme because mental health is a massive issue in general – a quarter of the British population has suffered from a mental health issue at some point in their lives.”
“It is especially an issue for young people and Kingston students in general, as academics we have increasingly seen a number of students come to us with mental health problems and some are struggling with their work as a result of mental health problems.”
The politics department is aiming for the majority of its Themed Week events to have a good turnout, with lecturers steadily promoting awareness to students over the last three weeks. It has been acknowledged that turnout will vary from event to event.
Unlike previous Themed Weeks, practical events are being held to raise awareness of positive mental health. Among these are a yoga session and a mindfulness session, designed to complement the already present theoretical events.
Grace Henley 
Josh Smith 
Ella Rebbitt