Keyring promotes key messages at stress awareness event

A keyring featuring a worry monster support mascot was given out to students at Walsall College during an event about stress awareness.  The higher education graphic design students created the keyring as a support aid that people could use to share any of their worries with.

The worry monster’s face decorated one side of the keyring, with word, ‘smile’, ‘relax’ or ‘unwind’ printed on the other.

Goodie bags containing a fidget, stickers and resources about stress management and local support services were also distributed to learners.

The event was hosted by higher education graphic design and photography students as a collaborative initiative enabling them to demonstrate their creative skills while supporting their college community.

Learners were encouraged to take time out through the activities available to them at the event, including boardgames and arts and crafts such as colouring, canvas bag designing and printing.

The Ramblers Association and representatives from the college’s gym and sports department promoted the benefits of exercise while the Learning Resource Centre shared mindfulness resources.

HND Photography student, Stephanie Geary was delighted to see so many students at the event.

“So many brilliant interactions took place between students and stall holders,” she said.  “It shows just how highly everyone appreciates the chance to have some down time.”

She continued: “It’s so easy for people to be overwhelmed by the things happening in their lives and not realise the personal impact this is having on them.  We wanted to do more than make posters and awareness-raising leaflets.  Instead, we got to show everyone how easy it can be to do something fun and that’s just for you, even if it’s only for a few minutes.

“Seeing the number of students smiling, laughing and looking relaxed is what made the event so successful for us.”