Over 2,500 students headed to WellFest 2023 at Hartpury University and Hartpury College on Thursday 23 September, as the event celebrated its 10th anniversary. Taking place annually in the Hartpury Equine Arena, WellFest highlights the range of health, safety, and wellbeing support services on offer for young people. 

VIP guests Nick Evans (Deputy Police Crime Commissioner), Hartpury alumnus and rugby player Lewis Ludlow, and Olympian Sharron Davies joined over 65 specialist organisations and exhibitors including the Samaritans, GayGlos, Gloucester City Safe, Pets as Therapy, YourSpace, Farming Friends, the local NHS, and the Hollie Gazzard Trust. The Gloucestershire Constabulary had a large presence on the day and headlined a busy schedule of talks and exhibits covering topics including drink and drug driving, road safety, firearms, camera enforcement and crime prevention.

Other talks included topics such as sexual health, cyber safety, mental health resilience, positive body image, personal safety and gambling risks. Alter Ego’s drama production explored County Lines, Satveer Niijar discussed mental health awareness and the Hollie Gazzard Trust explained their Hollie Guard app and the active bystander movement.

Students also gathered outside to create a human ‘10’ formation, commemorating the event’s tenth anniversary.

Lesley Worsfold, Deputy Principal Resources at Hartpury said: “WellFest has become an important part of our Freshers’ Week calendar and is one of the best ways for our new students to learn more about the wide range of health, safety and wellbeing support services on offer here at Hartpury and locally across our region.

“Having the event take place so early in the academic year helps our new students to be aware of the extensive help and support available to them around the clock. 

“Once again, we’re immensely grateful to the many exhibitors who attended this year, many of whom Hartpury has forged long lasting relationships. We’re already planning WellFest 2024.”

The WellFest event is also used to promote Hartpury’s internal wellbeing services.

If students are having difficulties support is available from the Wellbeing Centre who offer a daily term-time drop-in at 10.30am, 2.30pm and 8.30pm (Mon to Thurs), 10.30am and 2.30pm (Fri) and can refer students to the onsite Student Counselling Service or Student Assistance Programme.

The Safeguarding, Wellbeing and Health teams offer a secure, caring and confidential environment where students feel valued and respected. They provide wellbeing support and free short-term counselling, as well as signposting and connecting students with other services where appropriate. Hartpury University’s Achievement and Success Centre as well as Hartpury College’s Aspire learning support facilities work to help students with academic support, learning support and wellbeing support.

The Wellbeing Chaplain will help with spiritual and faith issues and offer a listening ear when students need someone to talk to.