World Mental Health Day is the global celebration of mental health support, education and services. The awareness day advocates for good mental health for all and aims to tackle the stigma that limits and impacts on peoples’ lives. The theme for this year is Making Mental Health & Well-Being for All a Global Priority.
Stigma and discrimination continue to be a barrier for many and we can all play our part in increasing awareness, tackling stigma and supporting those around us. The World Health Organisation envision a world in which mental health is valued, promoted and protected, which aligns with our commitment to creating an environment that actively contribute towards positive mental wellbeing.
To celebrate this years World Mental Health Day there are a number of activities, events and resources available to Staff, Students and the wider community.
World Mental Health Day Book Prize Draw
As part of celebrating World Mental Health Day, the Equality and Diversity team are running a prize Draw to win one of a selection of books. This is free to enter for all staff and Students World Mental Health Day Prize Draw
Staff awareness and training sessions bookable through Core:
- 10th October 10:00-12:00 Mental Health Awareness: This session aims to develop awareness of the signs and symptoms of deteriorating mental health, identifying changes in behaviour and how to talk to others and signpost to appropriate support. The session explores positive steps to take to tackle mental health stigma and how our negative thought bias can impact on our own perception and that of others. The session will also highlight ways to support and promote your own mental health and resilience alongside highlighting pathways of support within the university.
- 10th October 14:00 – 16:00 Mental health awareness for managers This session aims to provide managers with an awareness of the signs and symptoms of deteriorating mental health and proactive approaches to supporting staff in work. The session will look at a range of tools and approaches to enable managers to feel confident in discussing mental health and wellbeing with their staff. Management positions can be stressful and pressure can sometimes build when juggling multiple roles, supporting staff and meeting deadlines. The session provides managers with the awareness and approaches to positively look after their own mental health to ensure they can continue to thrive in a management position. Equality and Diversity Awareness and Training sessions catalogue
Free open Access World Mental Health Day Events:
- Mental Health in Focus: The Access to Work Mental Health Support Service. A Free information session about national support that can be accessed for Free for any employee in England, Scotland or Wales requiring some support for their mental health: Monday 10th October, 11:00 - 12:00. Booking available through Eventbrite: Mental Health in Focus: The Mental Health Support Service
- Royal College of Nursing (RCN) History event: In conversation with Nursing Pioneers: Mental Health: A free event exploring the history of mental health nursing support. Monday October 10th 17:30 – 19:00 Booking available through Eventbrite: RCN History Event: In Conversation with Nursing Pioneers
- Improving the Mental Health and Wellbeing of the University Workforce Conference: A free in person conference featuring key speakers whose high-level roles reflect the perspectives of university employers, university leaders and staff on challenges facing the mental health and wellbeing of all working in the sector. They include Professor Gail Kinman from Birkbeck, University of London, John de Pury, Assistant Director of Policy at Universities UK and Professor Nic Beech, Vice-Chancellor of Middlesex University and President of the British Academy of Management. Monday 10th October: 09:30 – 16:00, Adelphi House, Adelphi Street, Salford, M3 6EN. Booking available through Eventbrite: Improving the Mental Health and Wellbeing of the University Workforce Conference
- Mental Health UK Awareness webinars: A series of recorded webinars available to watch for free, including: How to support LGBTQ+ colleagues with their mental health in your workplace, How to support employees’ mental health through the cost of living crisis, How to talk to your line manager about your mental health for the first time
Mental Health UK Awareness Webinars and Recordings
World Mental Health Day Resource Point:
During World Mental Health Day on Monday 10th October the Equality and Diversity team will be setting up two resource points on campus for staff and students to help themselves to mental health focussed information booklets, self-help guides and support leaflets all about looking after your mental health and wellbeing and staying well.
- World Mental Health Day resource point 1: Harold Cohen Library Reception area
- World Mental Health Day resource point 2: Sydney Jones Library Reception area
The staff Disability and wellbeing advisor will be at the Harold Cohen library Resource point between 12:15 and 13:45 on the 10th October to offer information, signposting and guidance regarding mental health support on the day.
Support:
- Staff can contact the University Disability and Wellbeing advisor (Email) for advice and guidance regarding mental health, reasonable adjustments and wider wellbeing.
- staff can access the University Employee Assistance Programme a confidential counselling and information service available to assist with personal or work-related problems that may be affecting health, wellbeing or performance.
- Anyone in England, Scotland or Wales who is in any form of work can use the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service and Access to Work Able Futures , both part of government schemes to support employed people with their mental health. Both services can provide support for up to 9 months to individuals; including support with building confidence, developing practical strategies and establishing greater awareness of their mental health and wellbeing.
- Students can find more support information and services available at the University by visiting the Student Support Mental Wellbeing pages
- Across Merseyside there are a number of community based and statutory support services available to support mental health. Wellbeing Liverpool Directory
- Staff can also visit the Wellbeing Hub Pages for further information and resources about Mental Health and Wellbeing.