Meet The Stepping Stones, the fifth team in our Collaborative Project Series

Our 3rd years are leading the second round of original collaborative projects

This term, for the second year running, our third-year students are hard at work with a range of collaborative projects. These student-led projects are part of a module where they consider the writer’s role as part of a creative eco-system, and literature’s role in the creative economy through working on a collaborative project. Projects include a National Trust collaboration, a climate change series for FalWriting, an anthology of writing inspired by the work of Fine Art students and a poetry anthology highlighting climate change and endangered species.

In our fifth interview of the year, we talked to The Stepping Stone team about their experience so far.

Define your project

We are holding an event in collaboration with the Cornwall Mind charity and within the University. We aim to create a safe and informal space that encourages creativity and an open discussion surrounding mental health. This event will inform students on how to access help and teach mindfulness through various activities.

Why did you decide to do this for your collaborative project?

We all feel strongly about ending the stigma attached to mental health. We believe that everyone should have access to mental health support and the chance to talk and be listened to. A problem shared is a problem halved after all.

What do you want to gain?

It’s really what the students can gain and what we can provide. Whether this is a safe environment, access to professional help from the Cornwall Mind staff or an opportunity to literally speak your mind without being judged. We want students to know they’re not alone and it’s okay to reach out.

What are you most excited about?

It’s exciting to think we could potentially be the beginning of something bigger. We hope that our event could be an eye opener to everyone and show there’s no shame in admitting ‘I’m not okay and I need some help’. We don't want anyone going through hard times alone- All it takes is one conversation to change the course of a life.

What has been the most enjoyable part so far?

Collaborating with Cornwall Mind has been such a fantastic opportunity. Their values of; Openness, togetherness, independence and just being unstoppable reflects on our own manifesto and has influenced our project massively.

What is next for your project?

So now all we need to do is hold the event. We will be painting pebbles, plant pots and bookmarks as mindful activities that provide a creative outlet. The first event will be held on the Penryn campus, in the Exchange Red room, on the 11th of November at 5.30pm. The second, in the Tree Tops at Falmouth campus on the 18th of November at 5pm. After the events, the pebbles will be placed around the two campuses and Falmouth town for others to find and posted on our Instagram account stepping_stone_project, as a way to create awareness of mental health and the Cornwall Mind charity.

Come along! Bring a friend or just yourself, pick up a pebble and help create the stepping stones to a better mind.