University students are facing the detrimental effects of mental health crises, exacerbated by the widespread use of social media and excessive digital consumption. Acknowledging the urgent need to cultivate a healthier student environment, Get a Grip has dedicated itself to engaging students in activities that promote physical fitness and social interaction. We have introduced a range of activities such as climbing, running, cold plunges, and community events, all specifically designed to enhance connection and well-being.

The journey was challenging. A major obstacle was the initial engagement risk, as it proved difficult to encourage students to participate. To address this, we established Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track participation rates, which revealed a promising initial engagement of 60 students. Through continuous feedback, we assessed participants' satisfaction levels, ensuring the activities met their needs and preferences. This initiative grew slowly, but after three months of organizing events, our community expanded to over 60 members.

The results were remarkable. Community engagement surged, with students forming stronger bonds and interacting more frequently. This newfound sense of community significantly improved their overall well-being, marking a notable enhancement in their quality of life.

Educational institutions should be aware of the detrimental impact of physical inactivity on student health and social connectivity. To combat this, Get a Grip devised a strategy to promote well-being by encouraging students to engage in group physical activities through their own community. This initiative aimed to strengthen both mental and physical resilience among students. Most participants in Get a Grip have ties with Hogeschool Rotterdam, making it a very important stakeholder for us.

A decline in student well-being could lead to lower attendance rates and a deteriorating school climate. Get a Grip launched a variety of new activity groups, focusing on diverse interests to appeal to a broader student base which would attract a variety of students, improving their mental state through community events.

Tracking the number of new activities and groups was made through monitoring the amount of new attendees at our events and the number of people joining group. These efforts paid off as we witnessed a positive correlation between enhanced well-being and attendance at our events. Furthermore, the initiative led to people creating friendship based on mutual interests, this demonstrates the profound impact of fostering a supportive and active school environment where community events are encouraged.

Communities play a crucial role in supporting individuals and reducing feelings of loneliness. To enhance social cohesion and well-being, community leaders emphasized accountability, encouraging members to hold each other responsible for staying active and involved. We have even presented Get a Grip in front of the Honours students of our university, knowing that they are interested in events well being and connectivity.

However, the initiative faced significant risks, particularly the potential lack of participation and engagement. To address this, leaders focused on organizing a variety of events, and activities to appeal to diverse interests. We tracked the number of these events, ensuring there were ample opportunities for members to connect.

As more community events took place, the number of participants grew, leading to a significant reduction in loneliness within the participants. Tracking these changes revealed a positive trend, with fewer community members feeling isolated. The level of community participation became a key indicator of success, showcasing the power of accountability and active engagement in building strong, supportive networks.