University of Leeds

A blueprint for engagement

Poor mental health represents the largest cause of disability in the UK and acts as a barrier to full participation in education and the workplace. Evidence suggests that good quality natural spaces around the living environment, and conservation activities in natural environments can help promote and achieve positive mental health outcomes.

In 2018, the University of Leeds introduced Blueprint, a bespoke action plan, tailored for each faculty and service, to help address the key sustainability aspects within their control.

Residential Services implemented its Blueprint, which included three key work strands, to help address concerns for health and wellbeing, whilst delivering an excellent student experience at the University: Create inclusive and welcoming outdoor environments that provide health and wellbeing benefits appropriate to the residents on site; Recruit and support staff and student sustainability architects; Ensure opportunities exist for students and staff to get involved in wider activities with external partners.

Top 3 Learnings

1. Skills and experience that we gained whilst working in collaboration with Third Sector charitable organisations.
2. Opportunities we enjoyed in meeting like-minded people on outdoor activities and making new friends.
3. The legacy or outcomes enjoyed by local communities and school children, resulting from our work.