Rachel Lawrence - Welfare and Wellbeing Officer 2026/27

A Year of Wellbeing at Harper Adams: What's Coming Up!

Hello everyone!

As your Welfare & Wellbeing Officer for 2026/27, I'm really excited to share some of my plans and initiatives for the year ahead!

One of my main aims this year is to create more opportunities for students to take a step back from university life, prioritise their wellbeing and connect with others outside of lectures and coursework. University can be a busy and sometimes stressful experience, so I want to organise a range of events that give everyone the chance to relax, try something new and have a little time for themselves.

I also hope to time these events around key points in the academic year when students may be experiencing increased levels of stress, such as approaching coursework deadlines and exam periods. I want to make sure that these opportunities are available when they are needed most, providing students with a chance to take a step back, recharge and prioritise their wellbeing during what can be particularly demanding times of the year.

Throughout the year, I'm aiming to bring you a variety of wellbeing-focused activities, with something for everyone! From relaxation and mindfulness to animals, creativity and social activities, the aim is to make wellbeing accessible, enjoyable and, most importantly, something we can all make time for.

So, what have I got planned?

Craft & Connect: Clay Night 🎨 – 28th October

We kicked off our wellbeing events with Craft & Connect! This was a hands-on clay-making and decorating workshop, giving students the opportunity to get creative, meet new people and enjoy a little time away from their studies. Whether you're naturally artistic or haven't touched clay since school, the idea was to provide a relaxed, welcoming environment where everyone could have a go!

Yoga & Unwind 🧘 – 06/11/2026 7pm

Next up is an evening dedicated to stretching, relaxation and switching off from the stresses of university life. Whether you're a complete beginner or advanced, this is an opportunity to slow down, recharge and do something positive for yourself.

Breathe & Reset 🌿

A guided breathwork session introducing simple techniques to help manage everyday stress, encourage relaxation and give you some tools to take away and use in your daily routine.

Pamper a Pony 🐴

“Do you miss your pony? Come and groom ours!” I hope to organise a supervised grooming session with the Harper ponies, giving students the opportunity to spend some time with the animals, enjoy a hands-on experience and take a relaxing break from university life. I am hoping to arrange this event during the year, subject to availability and confirmation.

PAWS for a Break 🐾

Fancy getting some fresh air and meeting some new people? Join us for a relaxed group dog walk! This will be an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, get moving, have a chat and take a break from the university bubble.

Supporting our Disabled & Neurodivergent Network 💚

Alongside organising wellbeing events, another important part of my role this year is helping to promote, support and advocate for our Disabled and Neurodivergent Network.

I want to help raise awareness of the network, working alongside the university, to encourage more students to get involved and ensure that disabled and neurodivergent students feel heard, supported and represented within our university community.

I'll be working to help advertise the network and its activities, including its autism-friendly Friday drop-in sessions, and encourage students to make use of the supportive community it provides. I want to help create an environment where everyone feels comfortable being themselves, accessing support and having their voices heard.

Get involved!

Alongside these events and initiatives, I want to continue promoting the importance of looking after our mental health, supporting one another and making sure students know where to turn if they need a helping hand.

I particularly want to encourage everyone to get involved, even if it's something you wouldn't usually try. You don't need to come with friends, have any previous experience or be particularly good at anything – these events are for everyone!

I'll be sharing more information, dates and booking details throughout the year, so keep an eye on the SU social media pages and announcements.

If you have any ideas for future wellbeing activities, suggestions or anything you'd like to see from your Welfare & Wellbeing Officer, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I'd love to hear from you!

Here's to a happy, healthy and positive year at Harper Adams! 💚

Your Welfare & Wellbeing Officer