Saints Wellbeing

Sport and physical exercise is now widely recognised as an important part of life, not only for the obvious benefits coming from having an active lifestyle, but also due to the positive effects it has been shown to have on personal and mental wellbeing, social inclusion, employability and academic attainment.

Wellbeing services

Within our society, and particularly in sport, there is still a degree of stigma attached to mental health which often results in people not seeking the help they need. Saints Sport are working closely to break down barriers to de-stigmatise mental ill health and promote a culture of mental wellbeing within our community.

We have teamed up with Students Services and the Student’s Association to deliver a number of services, offering support and guidance, and aimed at improving the wellbeing of our students, staff and community.

Wellbeing advisors

Through the Saints Wellbeing students have access to a safe space at the Sports Centre two days a week or via the online clinic where they can discuss any concerns they may have with a Wellbeing Advisor. This need not be sport related and can be personal, mental health or study orientated.

Saints Peer Support

The Saints Sport Peer Support Network is a one-to-one meet-up service open to any students looking to make friends and get a little bit of guidance from the wider sports community.

LGBT+ Silver Charter

Saints Sport was the first unit within the University and the first Sports Department in Scotland to be awarded the LGBT Silver Charter mark by LGBT Youth Scotland.

Find out more

Wellbeing initiatives

Saints Sport has signed up to Healthy Body Healthy Mind – an initiative run by Scottish Student Sport, along with partners ASH Scotland, NUS Scotland and SAMH to support colleges and universities in improving student and staff wellbeing and inspiring positive changes on campus.

Working with the Students Association, we continue to encourage students to take part in regular physical activity, promote campus wide initiatives to reinforce healthier lifestyle choices and remain committed to making sport widely accessible to all.

Sports clubs are an integral part of the unique student experience at St Andrews and by joining a club students are quickly integrated into the student community providing them with a sense of belonging and the opportunity to foster some of their closest friendships.

With the vast majority of sports clubs student led and run, the introduction of Wellbeing Officers within each committee has ensured clubs are proactively supporting all their members.

Wellbeing Officers are responsible for ensuring that the mental health and wellbeing of club members is supported and receive year-round training and support from professional Student Services staff.