The feel-good jar first came to the Hollis Croft reception as an activity to be run during University Mental Health Day. It was an opportunity to open a conversation at reception with our residents about how they look after their mental well-being during their time at university. Due to the popularity of this, we have kept this out in our reception since then.

The students have two options they can either leave a positive thought written on a piece of paper and put it in the jar or take a positive thought from the jar if they are having a bad day. This means that positive thoughts have been shared across our property between the students who needed them. Because the residents of Hollis Croft have loved using this, we decided to keep it as a permanent feature in reception.

Lowri and I went ahead to look at the quotes that had come through from our residents and chose some that we felt would be best suitable as a message to share with all our residents, not just those living at Hollis Croft. I used my design experience to then put together some colourful and modern designs to send to print whilst also getting inspiration from our residents.

I’m excited to see the positive affirmation cards come to life in person! It means if you know a resident that is having a rough time or just having a stressful day you can write a personalised note with the space given on the reverse of the card or give them to a resident to send to a friend, housemate or family member.