What is WhatsUp?

Today we’re looking at an app for students, and one that’s important for all staff to know about: WhatsUp?. WhatsUp? is an app for University of Portsmouth students availiable on iOS and Android platforms, which provides 24/7 safeguarding, wellbeing, and emotional health support.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YENd0n2l0L4

What does the app look like and how do I use it?

WhatsUp? is an app which is supported by the Student Wellbeing Service, it’s an anonymous service, once you’ve signed up the data you record will only be used to identify you if staff had serious concerns that you were at risk of harming yourself or others.

Once you’ve signed up, your identifying information is kept private so you can record your thoughts & feelings anonymously in a personal journal, update your mood, or even find some inspirational quotes. The homepage provides you with a series of menu choices to access the different features of the app, it’s not complicated and is very straightforward to use. This is very much a personal app, and there is no outside contact from anyone unless you instigate it first.

The MyPort pages give a nice summary of the app, which lists the main features of the app as:

  • Rate your own mood.
  • Record a Personal journal.
  • Receive Inspirational notifications.
  • Raise a concern for someone.
  • Ask a question.
  • Wellbeing contacts to receive further information or help.

How could this app help me?

Mental health is something that is often overlooked, and it is tremendously important that you look after your own state of mind as your work through University. The WhatsUp? app is a

If you are an academic member of staff and you’re concerned about a student’s state of mind, you might find it useful to speak to the wellbeing service, but it’s also good to know about apps like this and to keep students informed of them.