SWEMWBS: Measuring Mental Wellbeing at the Humber Recovery and Wellbeing College

Mental wellbeing is not just about the absence of mental illness; it's about feeling positive, connected, and resilient in everyday life. To help gauge this, the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (SWEMWBS) has become a widely recognised tool. At Humber Recovery and Wellbeing College, SWEMWBS is a key resource in supporting students on their mental health journeys.

What is SWEMWBS?

The SWEMWBS is a simple, yet powerful, set of seven statements designed to measure mental wellbeing. These statements focus on positive aspects of mental health, such as optimism, relaxation, and social connectedness. By asking participants to reflect on how they've felt over the past 3 months, SWEMWBS gives a snapshot of overall emotional and mental health.

Here are examples of the SWEMWBS questions:

1. I’ve been feeling optimistic about the future.

2. I’ve been feeling useful.

3. I’ve been feeling relaxed.

4. I’ve been dealing with problems well.

5. I’ve been thinking clearly.

6. I’ve been feeling close to other people.

7. I’ve been able to make up my own mind about things.

Scoring:

Each item is scored on a 5-point Likert scale:

1. = None of the time

2. = Rarely

3. = Some of the time

4. = Often

5. = All of the time

Understanding Your Score: What It Means

When students complete the SWEMWBS, they receive a score that indicates their current mental wellbeing.

The scores for each question are added up to get a total, which can then be transformed into a metric score ranging between 7 to 35. A higher score indicates better mental wellbeing.

• A low score (7 – 19) may suggest that someone is facing emotional difficulties. This could mean they are feeling anxious, stressed, or struggling with low mood. It can highlight the need for additional support and self-care practices.

• A high score (20 – 35), on the other hand, reflects positive emotional health. It suggests the individual is feeling resilient, calm, and socially connected, which are all indicators of good mental wellbeing.

How Humber Recovery and Wellbeing College Uses SWEMWBS

At Humber Recovery and Wellbeing College, the SWEMWBS is more than just a questionnaire; it's a vital part of students' personal growth and recovery. By using this tool, the college can track students' progress over time. For example:

Personalised Support: Students with lower scores can receive tailored resources, such as mindfulness sessions, physical activity groups, or one-to-one guidance, to help improve their mental wellbeing.

Measuring Progress: SWEMWBS allows both the college and students to monitor how wellbeing evolves over time. As students engage in workshops, such as creative sessions or wellbeing walks, their scores can offer a tangible measure of improvement.

Reflecting on Wellbeing: For students, SWEMWBS provides a moment of self-reflection. It encourages them to think about how they’re feeling, recognize their progress, and identify areas where they might need extra support.

Building Mental Wellbeing Together

Through the use of SWEMWBS, Humber Recovery and Wellbeing College empowers students to take charge of their mental health. By regularly reflecting on their emotional wellbeing and having access to resources that foster personal growth, students are better equipped to build resilience and navigate their recovery journey. Whether through art, Tai Chi, or peer support, the college offers a safe space for students to explore and enhance their mental health.