3,000 Hartpury University and Hartpury College students attended WellFest 2025, the Gloucestershire institution’s annual health, safety, and wellbeing event that helps young people access vital support and resources.
This year’s event took place in the Hartpury Equine Arena and featured an inspiring line-up of speakers covering topics from mental health and body image to road safety, domestic abuse, addiction, and cybercrime. Highlights included a live performance and talk on mental health by indie rock musician Joel Foster, powerful sessions from Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (GRASAC), Bravemind on mental health in rugby, Gloucestershire Police’s Cyber Team, and the Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service with road safety demonstrations. Other contributors such as Charlie Waller Trust, Freedom Personal Safety, and Hollie Gazzard Trust tackled important issues around resilience, empowerment, and relationships.
Alongside the talks, 75 exhibitors took part in WellFest, giving students the chance to engage with charities, public services, and community organisations. Exhibitors included Hartpury Active, Healthwatch Gloucestershire, The Eddystone Trust, Meningitis Research Foundation, Papyrus Suicide Prevention, Gloucestershire Youth Climate Group, British Horse Society, and Pets as Therapy, alongside local NHS services, emergency responders, and specialist support organisations.
Interactive activities ranged from VR headsets and driving simulators with Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service, to hands-on engagement with sustainability initiatives, animal welfare organisations, and community safety groups.
Lesley Worsfold, Chief People Officer at Hartpury University and Hartpury College said: “WellFest is now a cornerstone of student life at Hartpury, ensuring our young people know where to turn for support, guidance, and inspiration. The breadth of organisations involved this year highlights our shared commitment to health, wellbeing, and safety, and we’re proud to provide such a valuable platform for our students.”
WellFest forms part of Hartpury’s year-round commitment to supporting student wellbeing, alongside counselling services, workshops, peer support, and partnerships with regional charities and national organisations.
