Students at West Lothian College have created an outdoor wellbeing space on the campus by repurposing a former smoking area. The college went smoke and vape free last summer, leaving a number of shelters out of use and in danger of becoming an eyesore.

Health and social care students needed to complete an enterprise unit as part of their course and decided to work together to design and build something for everyone at the college to benefit from.

Guided by their lecturer Marion Darling and supported by construction lecturer Julia Howard they transformed this mossy and disregarded part of the college grounds into a welcoming mindful space.

The students made furniture using items that were destined for landfill – wooden pallets, electrical cable drums, and trees that had been felled and were going to be used as firewood. They created large chalkboards to display information on local mental health support groups, and they made yoga areas and chill-out spaces.

Marion said:

“Each year, we normally run anti-stigma campaigns on how mental health is talked about and treated. This year, when so many of us have experienced challenges around our own mental health as a result of the pandemic, we decided to create an outdoor space that fostered wellbeing.

Most of these students had never held drills, hammers or saws but they poured their hearts and souls into this project. They really embraced the hard work and challenge of turning the space into a welcoming wellbeing area.”

Students converted shelters into seating and planting areas, created outdoor seats and tables, and made beautiful decorations. Now, all students and staff can take advantage of this outdoors space to relax, unwind and reenergise.

At West Lothian College we aim to lead with vision and empathy — and this is exactly what these students and lecturers have done. They took a vision for an outdoor wellbeing space, motivated by an empathy for those struggling with anxiety or poor mental health, and made it a reality!

This brilliant work by Marion and her students, supported by Julia, has created a space that will help students and staff stay stay mentally well by benefiting from a mindful outdoor space.