Calm Spaces: A Strategic Intervention for Enhancing Wellbeing, Inclusion, and Psychological Safety

The Calm Spaces Initiative at Sheffield Hallam University was developed in response to increasing demand for accessible, preventative mental health and wellbeing interventions embedded within everyday campus environments. Grounded in a Theory of Change framework, the initiative integrates sensory-friendly, emotionally regulating resources - such as posters and digital media -into high-traffic and reflective university spaces. Co-produced by Student Wellbeing Services, Hallam Students’ Union, and informed by research into student mental health, neurodiversity, and wellbeing promotion, Calm Spaces aims to reduce barriers to support, foster emotional self-regulation, and contribute to a psychologically safe campus culture. This initial evaluation report outlines how the Calm Spaces Initiative is expected to contribute to improved mental wellbeing for students and staff across Sheffield Hallam University. The report also summarises evidence of user engagement and feedback as well as reflections of the project lead about successes and the next steps of the initiative. Early evaluation evidence suggests the initiative has achieved high visibility and positive reception among students and staff, with qualitative feedback highlighting its accessibility, practicality, and particular benefit for neurodivergent individuals. The simplicity and unobtrusiveness of the design were cited as strengths, enabling discreet access to wellbeing prompts without the need for formal help-seeking. Calm Spaces aligns with national strategies promoting a whole-university approach to mental health, and aims to contribute to broader institutional outcomes including improved wellbeing, enhanced academic engagement, and greater retention. While recognising that long-term impacts will depend on the cumulative effects of multiple interventions, Calm Spaces demonstrates how small, thoughtfully designed environmental modifications can play a critical role in building a compassionate, inclusive learning and working environment. Future developments include expansion across additional campus sites, digital enhancements, and a more formalised programme of longitudinal evaluation to measure sustained outcomes.