The Oxford Law Society is hosting a “Puppy Party” Thursday between 10am and 4pm at St. Giles’ Church “to help overcome Fifth Week blues!’’
Oxford Law Society plans to allow over 300 members to spend time with dogs from Guide Dogs UK, and, according to their Facebook event page, will ‘’let members come and spend time with puppies around what can be a very stressful time in the academic calendar’’. Entry will be free, but exclusively for members of Oxford LawSoc.
Nick Wood, President of the Oxford Law Society, told Cherwell, “Our main reason for running the Puppy Party is to promote better welfare in Oxford. We are holding the event in the 5th week of term to help improve students’ welfare and counteract Fifth Week blues.”
On the topic of mental health in Oxford, Wood told Cherwell, “it’s a particular problem in Oxford given the University’s stretched mental health resources. It’s not acceptable that the average waiting period for an appointment at the University Counselling Service is 7.5 days’’.
“This Hilary we wanted to go further. The Oxford Law Society wants to play a part in helping students through the term by creating an event where they can relax and de-stress.”
Wood hopes that by giving 300 members the opportunity to play with Guide Dogs UK’s puppies, LawSoc can help its members “and make their 5th weeks a little bit brighter”.
Alasdair Lennon, OUSU VP for Welfare and Equal Opportunities, said, “I’m very glad to see that Law Soc are hosting this event, supporting a local charity, and bringing a bit of joy to students in Fifth Week. We should also use this as an opportunity to remind ourselves that maintaining good mental health and managing stress requires a bit of work. “Sleeping and eating well are two of the most important things we can do, but I also think that we should take time to treat ourselves, play with puppies, and relax with friends. “
