How the University of Sunderland Supports Student Wellbeing Through Nature Walks
Written by Ashley D Costa on 18th December 2024
Nature and wellbeing are closely connected, with time spent outdoors having a positive impact on mental and physical health. The University of Sunderland supports students in achieving this balance by organizing weekly nature walks.
Known as “Wellbeing Walks,” these sessions are a collaborative initiative by three University support services: Team Sunderland, Student Journey, and the University Chaplaincy.
Image 1: The University of Sunderland students visiting one of the ruins in the North East region. Image 2: University students during one of the Wellbeing walks. Photo Credits: Ashley D Costa
The Wellbeing Walks initially began in 2018 as part of an initiative called ‘The Belong Project’, a project to help new students feel at ease when moving to a new environment. During its initial stages the University used to take students for overnight stays in locations such as the Lake District, largely due to help from government funding. The Walks hit a sudden brake in the form of the Covid lockdown in 2020.
Image 1: University students in the Simonside Hills. Image 2: Students crossing through the Low Force waterfalls Photo Credits: Ashley D Costa
When it resumed in 2021, the University itself took over the funding. But the walks were shortened to one-day trips around Sunderland and the North East region of England.
Image 1: A walk through Cocken Wood in Durham. Image 2: A walk from Saltburn-by-the-Sea to Skinningrove Beach. Photo Credits: Ashley D Costa
Reverend Chris Howson, 55, the University Chaplain and a key member of the Wellbeing team, first introduced the idea of Wellbeing Walks in 2018. Revd Howson continues to play an active role by joining students on the walks as their guide.
He said: “We wanted any student to get to know the North East and really feel a part of something special. We were keen to help students who were stressed, feel the benefit of nature.
“I hope it has helped them feel like they belong in Sunderland, and that this University has been the best choice they could have made at this point in their lives”, added Revd Howson.
The walks are popular among international students and local students, as they get to explore different areas in the North East region. Over the last six years, hundreds of students have taken part in the Wellbeing walks.
Image 1: Revd Chris Howson joins the Wellbeing walk as a guide for the students. Image 2: Jack Poulter near the Charm Bracelet at Saltburn-by-the-Sea. Photo Credits: Ashley D Costa
Jack Poulter, 22, a student from Sunderland said: “These walks are adventures which exercise the mind and body. I’ve never been happier than being out in nature and I have the Wellbeing Walks to thank for igniting this desire to explore.
“Wading through the river to Alnmouth after a mile of golden barefoot beaches, catching ice drops under the roaring torrent of Gibson’s half-frozen waterfall and reaching a bird’s eye view of Staithes village under a blanket of summer blue sky. Those are my favourite memories from the wellbeing walks”, added Jack, reminiscing about his experience.
Jack, who has never ventured outside of Sunderland before, now conducts his own trips to places like Edinburgh, Holy Island and Lake District.
Nusratullah Nabeel Rahimi, 30, an international student from Afghanistan, said: “This was my first educational experience in English and it was very stressful. These walks helped me to bring balance between studies and life.
“I liked the trip to Saltburn-by-the-Sea more than any other walks”, said Nabeel when asked about his favourite trip.
Image 1: Nusratullah Nabeel Rahimi during a walk through Simonside Hills. Image 2: A university student posing in front of the Hulne Priory. Photo Credits: Ashley D Costa
The Wellbeing Walks were free of cost for all the University students till August 2024. However, as part of the University’s cost-cutting strategy, the funding for the Wellbeing walks was reduced. Now the students are charged £5 per walk. This price hike has not affected the Wellbeing walks at all, as more students are keen to participate in the walks. The dates, locations and more information about the Wellbeing walks are posted in the following Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/globalfrienduos
