Swizzels and YoungMinds launch first wellbeing session for Salford students

LOCAL sweet manufacturer Swizzels and mental health charity YoungMinds will be holding their first ever wellbeing session at the University of Salford on Wednesday 7 December at 12pm.

The one-hour session will be run by Jessica Leigh from YoungMinds, the UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people’s mental health.

It will offer students the opportunity to develop an understanding of mental health and how to cope at university, as well as promoting the role kindness plays in wellbeing.

Swizzels is an active supporter of the charity and actively encourages fans of the brand to be kind to one another. Earlier this year, the company rebranded its iconic Love Hearts to Kind Hearts to help raise awareness of the charity. The limited-edition packs include eight positive new messages: BE YOU, YOU’RE LOVED, DREAM BIG, POSITIVE VIBES, RESPECT, STAY STRONG, LOVE YOURSELF, and BE KIND. Swizzels is also making a donation to the charity for every pack sold.

Claire Lee, senior brand manager at Swizzels said:

“We are delighted that University of Salford has embraced this initiative and allowed us to host a wellbeing session at their new Student Support and Wellbeing Hub. We are confident the session will provide students with some practical suggestions and also show them how much help is out there for them should they need it.”

Jessica Leigh added:

“Demand from young people for support and advice has increased significantly since the beginning of the pandemic and shows no sign of let-up, especially as we are now in the middle of a cost of living crisis. Support from companies such as Swizzels is more crucial than ever and we are extremely grateful to them for enabling this session.”

Amie Collier, arts, media and creative technology officer at University of Salford, commented:

“At the SU, we are always looking at ways to support the mental health and wellbeing of our students as its something that is so important! When Swizzels and Young Minds approached us with this idea, we were more than happy to accept. We encourage anyone to attend this event, whether you are someone who is concerned about their own mental health, that of a family member or friend, or if you just want to learn more in a safe and accepting environment! Registration isn’t necessary so you can just drop-in. Who knows, there might even be some free sweets to enjoy!”

Swizzels is the UK’s largest family-owned independent sugar confectionery business and one of the few confectionery companies to still manufacture sweets in the UK. The company, based in New Mills, makes a range of well-known products including Squashies, Refreshers, Drumstick Lollies, Rainbow Drops, Double Lollies and Fruity Pops.