Start a HAPHE Team at Your University

Across universities, students are coming together to create HAPHE Teams.

Cynthia - University of Bristol - History I never thought I could start a Team

HAPHE is about helping people build great connections, the kind that make uni life healthier, more balanced, and more fun.

HAPHE began with simple coffee meet-ups, where students gathered to talk about everything from relationships to careers.

Each team is a student-led community, a place where peers can connect, support one another, and shape a culture that reduces the events that cause trauma and anxiety.

For many, joining a HAPHE Team is the opportunity they’ve been looking for. A way to bring friends and classmates together around something else.

But what if your university doesn’t yet have a team? That’s where you come in. When you start one, you become a foundation member and leader, a role that stands out on your CV. HAPHE will even provide you with a written confirmation letter, co-signed by your university staff advisor and HAPHE itself, to support internships and future opportunities.

Being a founder isn’t the same as just holding a leadership title, it shows that you can see a problem and take action to solve it.

In today’s changing world, that is exactly the kind of skill employers and organisations are searching for in young people: adaptability, initiative, and the ability to bring others with you.

Not sure where to begin? Starting a team may sound like a lot, but it’s simpler than you think, and you won’t be doing it alone. HAPHE provides practical guidance, ready-made resources, and encouragement at every step .

Connect with your peers

It starts small: talking with friends and classmates about what makes university life meaningful and fun. Invite them to think about how building great connections through groups, activities, and balance, can prevent over-investment in one thing or one person , which is often what leaves people vulnerable when change or loss happens.

Learn your university’s process

Each campus has its own rules for starting a student-led group. Find out what’s required to register a society or club how many members you need, and whether you’ll need an advisor. This is also a chance to see if there are existing wellbeing groups you can partner with, or how your HAPHE Team can be unique .

Set up your HAPHE Team

Once you’ve gathered a small group, you’ll complete the HAPHE Team Registration. At least three student leaders and one staff advisor are recommended to get started. Your advisor can be any supportive staff member; Someone from Student Services, a faculty member, or a counsellor.

After you’re officially registered, you’ll gain access to HAPHE’s student resources and campaign materials, which you can adapt to your university. You might want to run an event to spark conversations, set up a casual space for students to connect, or promote activities that encourage balance .

What support will you get?

The HAPHE team is here for you! We’ll help with recruiting members, sharing ideas for campus events, and ensuring smooth handovers when new students take over leadership. We’ll also connect you with other HAPHE Teams nationwide so you feel part of something bigger.

Some HAPHE activities may also qualify for Impact Awards financial recognition for students whose efforts make a measurable difference on their campus.

Together, HAPHE Teams are changing how universities approach student life, showing that balance, connection, and community can reduce the events that lead to trauma and anxiety while strengthening wellbeing.

Change begins in small circles. See how HAPHE began and spread, and explore how prevention builds resilience.

 Learn to recognise triggers of student trauma, and discover how to start your own HAPHE team on campus.

 Every conversation can spark a movement, yours might be next.

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