University celebrates 'DeStresstival' success

Pickleball and pet therapy have proven to be a hit after more than 2,300 university students took part in a festival designed to help them unwind during a stressful part of the academic year.

The events were part of four-week programme, DeStresstival, hosted at the University of Warwick where students were invited to try a range of free wellbeing activities including climbing, creative workshops and mindfulness sessions.

Students said the events helped them to "feel more supported, relaxed, and energised" throughout the exam season.

The month-long initiative built on a two-week pilot that the university delivered last year.

A spokesperson for the university said the festival's participation had increased by 54% since last year and highlighted "a strong demand for student-led wellbeing activities".

They added that a highlight for many students was a campus petting zoo, where they enjoyed the "calming benefits" of animal interaction.

Will Thomas, head of student community experience, said the exam period could be "isolating" and events like DeStresstival helped to "bring people together, take a break, and get active".

The spokesperson added the festival's climbing activities had been praised by students for helping them to "step outside their comfort zones" and "feel energised" ahead of their exams.

A postgraduate student added that DeStrestival had enabled them to explore new activities: "It was great fun, I connected with other students and loved the chance to create.

"It was incredibly relaxing."

Georgie Pilling from the university said the festival had created a space for students to pause and take care of their wellbeing during what could be an "overwhelming time".

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