Imperial set to mark Mental Health Awareness Week

Two of the College's trained Mental Health First Aiders

A range of talks, training courses and other events are on offer for staff during next week's Mental Health Awareness Week.

The national Week was created by the Mental Health Foundation with the aim of encouraging people to talk more openly about the issues that surround mental health and to raise awareness of the issues people face. It is also a time to get people thinking about their own mental wellbeing.

Imperial’s Provost, Professor James Stirling, said: “The week ahead provides us with a good opportunity to think about mental health and raise awareness across College – but the issue is too important to confine to just one week a year. In our Strategy we recognise the importance of the mental health and wellbeing of both our staff and students, and we will continue to think about what more we can do to support our community.”

One part of the College’s existing mental health support provision is the network of trained Mental Health First Aiders who are available to talk, and offer first line assessment, support and signposting for those experiencing mental health problems. Details of local Mental Health First Aiders will now be included on departmental and building first aid signs, alongside colleagues who have received First Aid at Work training. 

At Imperial, a number of different events are on offer over the course of Mental Health Awareness Week, from a session on stress awareness and management to a lunchtime meditation class. The events are all free for Imperial staff to attend but booking is required.

Talking about the programme of events, Claire O’Brien, Director of Occupational Health, said: “This is the third year we’re marking Mental Health Awareness Week at the College, and building on the success of previous years we have organised a number of different events to help you support your mental wellbeing. If you’re not able to get to an event, please do have a look at the Health and Wellbeing website, where a range of resources including self help guides are available all year round.” 

The week’s events have been organised by Occupational Health, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Centre, the Learning and Development Centre, and Sport Imperial.

Event highlights 

Stress Awareness

Tuesday 17 May, 09.30 – 11.00, Hammersmith Campus

This short, interactive session aims to raise your awareness, and introduce some tips and further resources for stress management.         

To book a place, search ‘Mental Health Awareness Week’ on OLM

Mindfulness for the working parent or carer

Wednesday 18 May, 12.30 – 14.30, South Kensington Campus

Taking a mindful approach changes for the better how we experience and manage situations so that we become more responsive and less reactive. This workshop gives an overview of mindfulness: exploring its potential impact and the techniques to apply and build into your dialy life as you balance work and life.   

To book a place, search ‘Mental Health Awareness Week’ on OLM

Mental Illness and Illegal Drugs: Cause or Cure?

Thursday 19 May, 12.00 – 13.00, South Kensington Campus

This talk will explore the complex relationships between mental illness and the use of alcohol and other drugs. Professor Nutt, the Edmond J Safra Chair in Neuropsychopharmacology in the College’s Department of Medicine, will explain how drugs work and why people with mental health problems choose to use them, how this can worsen their difficulties and offer insights on how it can best be dealt with.

Register to attend 

Take a Break to Meditate

Thursday 19 May, 13.15 – 13.45, South Kensington Campus

For an all-round feel-good factor, refresh your energy levels with a meditation booster. Relax your mind body and enjoy a guided creative visualisation for a quick get-away.       

To book a place, search ‘Mental Health Awareness Week’ on OLM

Is Stress Making You Fat?

Thursday 19 May, 15.30 – 17.00, South Kensington Campus

The effects of stress are cumulative, and ensuring that we are identifying and managing this stress is vital if we are going to live healthy and happy lives. This interactive seminar will cover the four types of stress and the physiological changes than stress can create. 

Register to attend

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Centre Breakfast Briefing

Friday 20 May, 08:00 - 10:00, South Kensington Campus

Jessica Carmody is a passionate advocate for mental health equality, as the founder of the Redefining Resilience campaign. Redefining Resilience challenges perceptions that people cannot thrive personally or professionally while managing mental illness. Jessica will speak about her lived experience of mental ill-health and what workplaces can do to support staff and enable them to shine.

Register to attend

The full programme is available on the Health and wellbeing website.