On Thursday the 12th March, the University of Cumbria celebrated University Mental Health Day 2026. This years’ theme was human connection.
Why Human Connection?
There are 2.9 million students, but at least 1 in 3 students has felt or feels lonely.
Research proves that strong social relationships are vital to our mental health. Strong connections help support us through difficult times and make good times even brighter. There is a fundamental need to feel valued and feel close to others. Connection is what makes us human.
Despite this, loneliness is increasing, exacerbated by challenges such as political polarisation and technology that encourages people to rely less on human connection. It’s become harder to connect and easier to isolate.
That’s why Student Mind’s chose to explore the concept of human connection and what it means for students and university communities.
(Student Minds, 2026)
University Mental Health Day at UoC
Events ran across all of our university campuses which helped facilitate connection within our university community. From setting up free breakfasts, to having a wellbeing dog visit campus, there was an array of activity which helped students and staff spark up conversations.
The Mental Health & Wellbeing Team also created a list of ideas to help students connect with each other and we asked students to contribute their own ideas on to a noticeboard too.
Key Takeaways from the Day
“Sharing Moments of laughter and joy”
There was a wealth of brilliant suggestions put forward by students, some of which we’ve quoted throughout this blog, but some key themes were highlighted:
- The importance of face-to-face conversations
- Listening to each other without judgement
- Acceptance, tolerance and validation
- The importance of having fun and laughing together
Resources
Based on these suggestions, we’ve put together some resources to help you facilitate human connection in a meaningful way.
“Being able to talk freely without judgement”
- Improve your listening skills and watch this video from Brene Brown about Empathic Listening.
- Read Live Well Learn Well’s series on Happiness and understand the importance of togetherness, kindness and trust.
- Get some top tips on improving your friendships and social life at university from Student Minds.
- Sign up to a new group, society or voluntary activity via our Students Union.
“Presence and attention”
In a world that can feel increasingly polarised, fragmented and lonely let’s be intentional about connecting in our day-to-day lives to help improve our own wellbeing and the wellbeing of our university community.
“Time to laugh, cry, chat and just be together – even being quiet together”