the guide to life tools · the guide to life tools programme 2020–2021 learn > develop >...

The guide to

Life ToolsProgramme 2020–2021

Learn > Develop > SucceedCreating the pathway to academic and personal success.

Our Life Tools programme won the RUSU staff–student partnership excellence award in 2018–19

Life Tools programme

How the Life Tools programme benefits youOur Life Tools programme is designed by experts to facilitate your transition into university and enhance your student experience. It allows you to be proactive and take control of your learning and development.

The programme is designed specially to contribute to your ongoing professional development.

This year we will continue to provide our talks as webinars, and there will also be some delivered on campus. They are about 50 minutes in duration, including time for questions about the topic. We will also offer talks on campus during the term. You can check the programme and get the links to the webinars here.

The topics covered are categorised under the following headings:

• Creativity: to develop strategies to increase your ability to problem-solve and find creative solutions.

• Knowledge: to increase your awareness to inform your decisions and actions to do well both personally and academically

• Wellness: to develop strategies to enhance your emotional resilience and keep well

• Global awareness: increase your understanding of cultures and adapt to new situations in the workplace in the future.

Each talk is colour coded by the category it most relates to, although most of them have a crossover with other categories.

You can view a webinar describing the Life Tools programme via the webpage here.

You can also view a short sample webinar on “Motivation and productivity” here.

The Life Tools certificate• The aim of the certificate

is to provide evidence of the skills you have developed.

• It is a way of acknowledging and rewarding your commitment to your personal and professional development.

• You can obtain a certificate when you have completed all of the elements required, and it will appear in your academic transcript.

For more information click here.

The Life Tools blackboard courseOnce you enrol, you can access online resources and receive a weekly email with information about upcoming webinars/talks and group sessions, as well as general information on the topics covered.

To enrol on the Life Tools Blackboard course, learn more about the Life Tools certificate, access the Life Tools blog, and find out what students have to say about our programme click here.

Manage academic demands effectively

Improve resilience when life becomes challenging

Enhance your personal wellbeing

Creativity

Knowledge

Tools

Wellness

Global Awareness

The Life Tools programme is free and open to all students – there’s no need to book.

http://www.reading.ac.uk/life-tools






4 5 Creativity Knowledge Wellness Global Awareness

Life Tools Talks Programme 2020–2021

DATE TALK DAY | TIME *select

your talk

SEP 22 Settling in, getting to know others TUES | 12:00-13:00

Living well on a student budget and prevent debt TUES | 13:30-14:30

23 Prep for success WED | 11:00-12:00

Living in the UK WED | 13:00-14:00

24 Maximise your university experience THU | 11:00–12:00

Maximise your university experience THU | 13:00–14:00

28 Focusing or forgetting? MON | 13:00-14:00

30 Settling in, getting to know others WED | 13:00-14:00

OCT 01 Under pressure? THU | 14:00-15:00

07 Stressed? Learn ways to maintain your health WED | 13:00-14:00

08 Bouncing back from setbacks WED | 12:00-13:00

12 Jump-starting your brain MON | 13:00-14:00

14 A good night’s sleep WED | 15:00-16:00

15 Ignite your motivation: keep learning THU | 13:00-14:00

19 Stressed? Learn ways to maintain your health MON | 14:00-15:00

21 Living well on a student budget and prevent debt WED | 14:00-15:00

22 Re-thinking identities THU | 16:00-17:00

27 Mindfulness: a brief introduction Part 1: Getting started TUES | 13:00-14:00

28 Ace presentations and collaborations WED | 15:00-16:00

29 Settling in, getting to know others THU | 13:00-14:00


your talk

NOV 09 Under pressure? MON | 13:00-14:00

11 Confidence: “I can” and “I will” WED | 14:00-15:00

12 Jump-starting your brain THU | 13:00-14:00


18 Support your mates WED | 14:00-17:00

19 Socialising and substances: When is it too much? THU | 13:00-14:00

Focusing or forgetting? THU | 15:00-16:00

23 Bouncing back from setbacks MON | 13:00-14:00

24 Mindfulness: a brief introduction Part 2: Keep going TUES | 13:00-14:00

25 Romantic relationships – navigating changes and challenges WED | 13:00-14:00

26 A good night’s sleep THU | 14:00-15:00

30 Feedback: food for thought MON | 13:00-14:00

DEC 02 Imperfect perfectionism WED | 14:00-15:00

03 Living well on a student budget and prevent debt THU | 13:00-14:00

07 Emotional Intelligence MON | 14:00-15:00

09 Thinking ahead: the workplace and you WED | 14:00-15:00

10 Preparing for exams: evidence-based revision techniques THU | 13:00-14:00

* For more details, and to access the links to the webinars, go to reading.ac.uk/life-tools

@Alicia_psych


https://twitter.com/Alicia_psych


6 7

Life Tools 2020–2021

Creativity Knowledge Wellness Global Awareness

Life Tools


your talk

JAN 11 A good night’s sleep MON | 13:00-14:00

13 Living well on a student budget and prevent debt WED | 15:00-16:00

14 Stressed? Learn ways to maintain your health THU | 13:00-14:00

Ignite your motivation: keep learning THU | 15:00-16:00

18 Jump-starting your brain MON | 14:00-15:00

20 Under pressure? WED | 14:00-15:00

21 Settling in, getting to know others THU | 13:00-14:00

26 Mindfulness: a brief introduction Part 1: Getting started TUES | 13:00-14:00

27 Bouncing back from setbacks WED | 12:00-13:00

Support your mates WED | 14:00-17:00

28 Socialising and substances: When is it too much? THU | 15:00-16:00

FEB 01 Ace presentations and collaborations MON | 13:00-14:00

03 Confidence: “I can” and “I will” WED | 15:00-16:00

04 Re-thinking identities THU | 16:00-17:00


10 A good night’s sleep WED | 14:00-15:00



23 Mindfulness: a brief introduction Part 2: Keep going TUES | 14:00-15:00

25 Romantic relationships – navigating changes and challenges THU | 13:00-14:00


your talk

MAR 01 Focusing or forgetting? MON | 13:00-14:00

03 Feedback: food for thought WED | 14:00-15:00

04 Emotional Intelligence THU | 13:00-14:00

08 Imperfect perfectionism MON | 13:00-14:00

10 Jump-starting your brain WED | 14:00-15:00


15 Thinking ahead: the workplace and you MON | 15:00-16:00

17 Preparing for exams: evidence-based revision techniques WED | 14:00-15:00

18 Under pressure? THU | 13:00-14:00

22 Preparing for exams: evidence-based revision techniques MON | 14:00-15:00

APR 19 Preparing for exams: evidence-based revision techniques MON | 13:00-14:00

20 Mindfulness for exam prep TUES | 13:00-14:00

21 Beyond university WED | 15:00-16:00

22 Bouncing back from setbacks THU | 14:00-15:00



29 Under pressure? THU | 14:00-15:00

MAY 05 Bouncing back from setbacks WED | 13:00-14:00

A good night’s sleep WED | 15:00-16:00


10 Preparing for exams: evidence-based revision techniques MON | 13:00-14:00

12 Stressed? Learn ways to maintain your health WED | 13:00-14:00

13 A good night’s sleep THU | 14:00-15:00




26 Beyond university WED | 13:00-14:00

* For more details, and to access the links to the webinars, go to reading.ac.uk/life-tools

@Alicia_psych





8 9


Prep for success

Useful tips to improve concentration, avoid procrastination, and be productive at university. Learn about the Life Tools certificate, Blackboard course and blog. Find out how you can maximise your potential and do well academically.

Wed 23 Sep 11:00-12:00 To access this webinar go to reading.ac.uk/ life-tools, or

@Alicia_psych

OUR TOP TIP:

Focus on what you want to learn and maintain a regular routine.

YOUR TIP:

Living in the UK

Useful information on how to adjust to a new environment and to a different cultural and educational system.

Wed 23 Sep 13:00-14:00 To access this webinar go to reading.ac.uk/ life-tools, or

@Alicia_psych

OUR TOP TIP:

Useful information to adjust to a new environment and to a different cultural and educational system.

YOUR TIP:

Wel

com

e W

eek

Maximise your university experience

Find out about how to manage the transition to university, enhance your study skills and increase your knowledge.

Thu 24 Sep 11:00–12:00 and 13:00–14:00 To access this webinar go to reading.ac.uk/ life-tools, or

@Alicia_psych

OUR TOP TIP:

Create a healthy routine and focus on learning.

YOUR TIP:

Settling in, getting to know others

Whenever we go to a new place, what interests us most is getting to know people, and establishing relationships that have the potential to last a long time. Find out how you can manage this transition.

Tues 22 Sep 12:00–13:00 To access this webinar go to reading.ac.uk/ life-tools, or

@Alicia_psych

OUR TOP TIP:

Explore what activities are available and try one to learn something new.

YOUR TIP:

Living well on a student budget and prevent debt

Is it hard to balance your essential expenses with treating yourself? Know your budget, and make it work for you. Find out about Blackbullion, an online tool to manage your budget at blackbullion.com

Tues 22 Sep 13:30–14:30 To access this webinar go to reading.ac.uk/ life-tools, or

@Alicia_psych

OUR TOP TIP:

Keep track of your expenses and plan for what you want to do.

YOUR TIP:

I PLAN TO ATTEND ON I PLAN TO ATTEND ON I PLAN TO ATTEND ON I PLAN TO ATTEND ON I PLAN TO ATTEND ON













https://www.blackbullion.com/






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I PLAN TO ATTEND ON I PLAN TO ATTEND ON I PLAN TO ATTEND ON I PLAN TO ATTEND ON I PLAN TO ATTEND ON I PLAN TO ATTEND ON

Bouncing back from setbacks

Life at university can present many challenges, and sometimes things do not work out as hoped. Dealing with setbacks is a key skill to learn from these situations.

Wed 8 Oct 12:00-13:00Mon 23 Nov 13:00-14:00Wed 27 Jan 12:00-13:00Thu 22 Apr 14:00-15:00Thu 5 May 13:00-14:00

OUR TOP TIP:

Listen to yourself, maintain energy levels

YOUR TIP:

Confidence: “I can” and “I will”

Do you find that although you know what to do, you doubt yourself? Do you wonder how to achieve your goals? Are you concerned about making mistakes? Learn strategies to develop a confident mindset, challenge negative thinking and develop strategies to maintain your health and well-being.

Wed 11 Nov 14:00-15:00Wed 3 Feb 15:00-16:00

OUR TOP TIP:

Change from “I can’t” to “I can”. Focus on possibilities.

YOUR TIP:

Emotional Intelligence

People who know themselves well and can manage their emotions effectively do well both at work and in life. Learn strategies to communicate with others effectively. This is a key competency for work and life.

Mon 7 Dec 14:00-15:00Thu 4 Mar 13:00-14:00

OUR TOP TIP:

Increase self-awareness, self-manage and relate to others well.

YOUR TIP:

A good night’s sleep

Sleep is essential for our health and wellbeing. It is also key to learning and remembering. Find out about what influences your sleep pattern and tips to help you sleep better.

Wed 14 Oct 15:00-16:00Thu 26 Nov 14:00-15:00Mon 11 Jan 13:00-14:00Wed 10 Feb 14:00-15:00 Wed 5 May 15:00-16:00 Thu 13 May 14:00-15:00

OUR TOP TIP:

Plan technology free time before bedtime.

YOUR TIP:

Ace presentations and collaborations

Developing working relationships with others is an essential skill for academic collaboration. A good presentation can help you to manage group projects effectively.

Wed 28 Oct 15:00-16:00Mon 1 Feb 13:00-14:00

OUR TOP TIP:

Simple is clearer, consult with each other

YOUR TIP:

Beyond university

Prepare yourself for the end of your time as a student, to saying goodbye to friends, as well as looking ahead at life beyond university.

Wed 21 Apr 15:00-16:00Wed 26 May 13:00-14:00

OUR TOP TIP:

Keep in contact and follow up with friends. Maintain hope for the next stage.

YOUR TIP:



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I PLAN TO ATTEND ON I PLAN TO ATTEND ON I PLAN TO ATTEND ON I PLAN TO ATTEND ON I PLAN TO ATTEND ON I PLAN TO ATTEND ON

Imperfect perfectionism

Do you find that you want to continually improve your work? Does it feel frustrating when it is not just so? Do you find yourself going over your work many times and do not feel you are making progress?

Find out why good enough is good enough.

Wed 2 Dec 14:00-15:00Mon 8 Mar 13:00-14:00

OUR TOP TIP:

Failure is part of life. We learn from it to make progress going forward.

YOUR TIP:

Jump-starting your brain

Difficult to get started? Can’t get finished? Fear of making mistakes? This creates unnecessary pressure to meet unrealistic standards. Find out what you can do to get started, make progress and hand in your work in on time.

Mon 12 Oct 13:00-14:00Thu 12 Nov 13:00-14:00Mon 18 Jan 14:00-15:00Thu 11 Feb 14:00-15:00Wed 10 Mar 14:00-15:00Thu 6 May 13:00-14:00

OUR TOP TIP:

Break tasks down into small chunks

YOUR TIP:

Living well on a student budget and prevent debt

Is it hard to balance your essential expenses with treating yourself? Knowing your budget, and how to make it work for you will allow you to have enough for what you need and prevent the stress of getting into debt. Find out about Blackbullion, an online tool to manage your budget at blackbullion.com

Tues 22 Sep 13:30-14:30Wed 21 Oct 14:00-15:00Thu 3 Dec 13:00-14:00Wed 13 Jan 15:00-16:00

OUR TOP TIP:

Log expenses. Keep a running total, know how much you have available.

YOUR TIP:

Feedback: food for thought

Managing sensitive feedback is key to make progress with your studies. Find out ways in which you can make the most of the information and advice so that you can develop your knowledge and skills that you can then take into the workplace.

Mon 30 Nov 13:00-14:00Wed 3 Mar 14:00-15:00

OUR TOP TIP:

It’s not personal, it’s to improve your work

YOUR TIP:

Focusing or forgetting?

In the digital age we are constantly surrounded by stimuli that distract us. Do you notice that you read a lot, but find it hard to remember the material? Find out how to manage distractions, focus better, remember what you are learning and make progress in your studies.

Mon 28 Sep 13:00-14:00Thu 19 Nov 15:00-16:00Mon 8 Feb 16:00-17:00Mon 1 Mar 13:00-14:00Mon 26 Apr 14:00-15:00Mon 17 May 13:00-14:00

OUR TOP TIP:

Switch off distractions and create a calm, focused work environment.

YOUR TIP:

Ignite your motivation: keep learning

Learn about what influences our motivation and understand your preferred style of studying better, identify your priorities and structure your time to complete tasks in time. Find out strategies to motivate yourself so that you can increase your knowledge and enjoy your learning.

Thu 15 Oct 13:00-14:00Thu 14 Jan 15:00-16:00

OUR TOP TIP:

Identify your priorities, and structure your day.

YOUR TIP:




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I PLAN TO ATTEND ON I PLAN TO ATTEND ON I PLAN TO ATTEND ON I PLAN TO ATTEND ON

Preparing for exams: evidence-based revision techniques

Do you feel you have a lot to revise in a short period of time? Are you worried about your results, or what to do if an exam doesn’t go well? If so, you are not alone. Find out how to do well and keep well while under pressure. Learn how to regulate emotions to increase concentration and memory, boost motivation, and reduce procrastination to manage your revision and exams effectively.

Thu 10 Dec 13:00-14:00Wed 17 Mar 14:00-15:00Mon 22 Mar 14:00-15:00Mon 19 Apr 13:00-14:00Wed 28 Apr 13:00-14:00Mon 10 May 13:00-14:00Wed 19 May 13:00-14:00

OUR TOP TIP:

Start early, do a bit each day.Manage your energy levels.

YOUR TIP:

Mindfulness: a brief introduction Part 1: Getting started

In a busy world we need to create space to pause. This enables us to manage our thoughts, reduce the impact of demands and derive a sense of wellbeing. Find out what Mindfulness is about, and the benefits for health and learning.

Tues 27 Oct 13:00-14:00 Tues 26 Jan 13:00-14:00

OUR TOP TIP:

Mindfulness is the opposite of mindlessness. Take time each day to check in with yourself.

YOUR TIP:

Mindfulness: a brief introduction Part 2: Keep going

Learn some mindful activities and find out how to make it part of your everyday life.

You don’t need to attend part 1 to come to this talk.

Tues 24 Nov 13:00-14:00Tues 23 Feb 14:00-15:00

OUR TOP TIP:

Next time you have a cup of tea or coffee- pause, and bring your attention to how it feels; the taste, the smell, the physical sensations.

YOUR TIP:

Mindfulness for exam prep

Tips to reduce tension and maintain your balance during revision.

Tues 20 Apr 13:00-14:00

OUR TOP TIP:

Take a moment to breathe, pay attention to your environment.

YOUR TIP:


16 17


Romantic relationships – navigating changes and challenges

Romantic relationships can be very rewarding provided they involve mutual trust and respect. At times feelings change, turning the world upside down and leading to break ups and feelings of sadness and loss. Find out ways to manage these challenges, keep safe, understand feelings, and restore your stability and hope for the future.

Wed 25 Nov 13:00-14:00 Thu 25 Feb 13:00-14:00

OUR TOP TIP:

If it feels wrong, it IS wrong

YOUR TIP:

Settling in, getting to know others

Establishing relationships that have the potential to last a long time. Find out how you can manage the transition into a new environment, settle in, and communicate with others.

Tue 22 Sep 12:00-13:00Thu 29 Oct 13:00-14:00Thu 21 Jan 13:00-14:00

OUR TOP TIP:

Know yourself, reach out and talk with others.

YOUR TIP:

Socialising and substances: When is it too much?

When socialising with peers often includes having a drink as a way of relaxing and having fun. But how to know our limits?

Find out what works for you, how to prevent the negative impacts of substances on your body and health so that you can have fun and enjoy socialising safely.

Thu 19 Nov 13:00-14:00Thu 28 Jan 15:00-16:00

OUR TOP TIP:

All in moderation, know your body and what is important to you.

YOUR TIP:

Re-thinking identities

University is often seen as a time and place where many can fully explore their own identity and learn about those of others. In particular, this session aims to raise awareness and spark discussion of how cultural ideas around ‘masculinity’ and ‘femininity’ impact significantly on people’s sense of themselves and their general well-being.

Whilst this talk will focus primarily on the impact of western conceptions around personal identity, in any culture there are dominant ideas and stereotypes that affect how we are perceived by ourselves and others. These ideas impact on everyone whatever one’s self-image and outlook on life, and this often has repercussions on the way we feel we need to present ourselves.

Thu 22 Oct 16:00-17:00Thu 4 Feb 16:00-17:00

OUR TOP TIP:

Be yourself, discussing things with others improves wellbeing.

YOUR TIP:

I PLAN TO ATTEND ON I PLAN TO ATTEND ON I PLAN TO ATTEND ON I PLAN TO ATTEND ON


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I PLAN TO ATTEND ON I PLAN TO ATTEND ON I PLAN TO ATTEND ON

Support your mates

This is a 3 hrs interactive workshop developed by Student Minds for students who may be supporting a friend experiencing mental health difficulties or would like to know more about mental health, the support available for students, and how to look after your own wellbeing during your time at university.

The workshop covers: D Understanding the student experience at university

D Spotting the signs that your friend/peer may be struggling with

D Starting a conversation with that individual

D Some basic listening and motivating skills

D Signposting and information on what professional and further support available

D Looking after your own wellbeing.

To book a place, email [email protected]

This workshop includes presentation, group discussion and individual activities is delivered by trained Student Services staff.

Wed 18 Nov 14:00-17:00Wed 27 Jan 14:00-17:00

OUR TOP TIP:

Support by maintaining boundaries and encouraging others to contact services

YOUR TIP:

Thinking ahead: the workplace and you

Discover your strengths, identify what motivates you and prepare your mindset to manage the challenges of the changing work environment. Find out ways to build your confidence to communicate what you can contribute at work.

Wed 9 Dec 14:00-15:00 Mon 15 Mar 15:00-16:00

OUR TOP TIP:

Talk with Careers, plan with time.

YOUR TIP:

Stressed? Learn ways to maintain your health

Life at university can be very busy and at times it may become stressful. Managing symptoms at an early stage is key to prevent them from having a negative impact on your health, wellbeing, and ability to study. Find out strategies to help reduce the impact of stress and maintain your health to study productively.

Wed 7 Oct 13:00-14:00Mon 19 Oct 14:00-15:00Wed 16 Nov 14:00-15:00Thu 14 Jan 13:00-14:00Mon 22 Feb 13:00-14:00Thu 11 Mar 14:00-15:00Wed 12 May 13:00-14:00Thu 20 May 13:00-14:00

OUR TOP TIP:

Eat well, sleep well, go for a walk.

YOUR TIP:

Our Life Tools programme won the RUSU staff–student partnership excellence award in 2018–19

mailto:talks%40reading.ac.uk?subject=


20

I PLAN TO ATTEND ON

Under pressure?

Preparing for a degree requires higher levels of depth in your work, while juggling multiple deadlines and managing expectations to achieve the academic standards required.

Build your strategies to manage pressure, maintain your strength, and learn better while keeping well.

Thu 1 Oct 14:00-15:00Mon 9 Nov 13:00-14:00Wed 20 Jan 14:00-15:00Thu 18 Mar 13:00-14:00Thu 29 Apr 14:00-15:00

OUR TOP TIP:

Set realistic goals and be your best friend.

YOUR TIP:

The Life Tools programme is free and open to all students – there’s no need to book.


22 23

Student feedbackThe Talks

It will allow me to manage my various assignments

and how I can break it down to stop procrastinating.

(Focusing or forgetting?)

Helpful. Makes me relax and learn some skills to concentrate.

(Introduction to mindfulness)

Good life skill – especially as sleep is so important in student life

due to deadlines and work, and to manage social events. (Getting a good night’s sleep)

Blackboard (weekly emails) I like the email, it keeps you on track even when you're

not thinking about your mental state or what you're

actively doing to improve so it was always grounding to

be brought back into being aware of those things.

About the programme Undertaking the interesting Life Tools programme has

equipped me with an array of transferable skills, useful to me

both professionally as well as personally. Be it from uncovering

techniques to maintain my motivation, getting better sleep, or be

it managing stress, I have been able to develop a full package of

qualities, which will help me in University and when I leave.

Other services

Study Advice 0118 378 4242 [email protected] visit reading.ac.uk/library/study-advice/lib-study-advice.aspx

RUSU activities 0118 378 4100 [email protected] visit rusu.co.uk/student-activities

Student Finance 0118 378 5555 [email protected] visit student.reading.ac.uk/essentials/_money_matters.aspx

Blackbullion (online financial resource) visit blackbullion.com

International Student Advice [email protected] visit student.reading.ac.uk/essentials/international.aspx

Accommodation hotline 0118 378 7777 visit reading.ac.uk/essentials/accommodation

Sportspark 0118 378 8799 [email protected] visit sport.reading.ac.uk

Careers 0118 378 8359 [email protected] visit student.reading.ac.uk/essentials/careers_and_professional_development.aspx

Student Welfare Team 0118 378 4777 [email protected] visit reading.ac.uk/essentials/support-and-wellbeing/support-arrangements/welfare

Counselling and Wellbeing 0118 378 4216 [email protected] visit student.reading.ac.uk/essentials/_support-and-wellbeing/ counselling-and-wellbeing.aspx

Together All (previously known as Big White Wall) (24hrs online counselling resource) visit reading.ac.uk/essentials/support-and-wellbeing/counselling-and-wellbeing/togetherall

http://www.reading.ac.uk/library/study-advice/lib-study-advice.aspx

https://www.rusu.co.uk/student-activities/

https://www.student.reading.ac.uk/essentials/_money_matters.aspx


http://www.student.reading.ac.uk/essentials/international.aspx

http://www.reading.ac.uk/essentials/accommodation

https://www.sport.reading.ac.uk/

http://www.student.reading.ac.uk/essentials/careers_and_professional_development.aspx

http://www.reading.ac.uk/essentials/support-and-wellbeing/support-arrangements/welfare

https://www.student.reading.ac.uk/essentials/_money_matters.aspxhttps://student.reading.ac.uk/essentials/_money_matters.aspx

https://www.student.reading.ac.uk/essentials/_money_matters.aspxhttps://student.reading.ac.uk/essentials/_money_matters.aspx

http://www.reading.ac.uk/essentials/support-and-wellbeing/counselling-and-wellbeing/togetherall

http://www.reading.ac.uk/essentials/support-and-wellbeing/counselling-and-wellbeing/togetherall

Life Tools

For more information, you can email: [email protected] reading.ac.uk/life-tools

@Alicia_psych B26

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the guide to life tools · the guide to life tools programme 2020–2021 learn > develop >...

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