Mental Health Awareness Week 2020
The wide range of support services available to colleagues are being highlighted as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.
Kindness is the theme of Mental Health Awareness Week this year
Taking place from Monday 18 to Sunday 24 May, this year’s theme is ‘kindness’.
Mental health has become more relevant than ever to all our lives as we manage the impact of the coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic.
This year, Mental Health Awareness Week, organised by the Mental Health Foundation, provides an opportunity to get involved and share acts of kindness to inspire and uplift others, as well as help your own emotional wellbeing.
There are a variety of ways people are being encouraged to demonstrate kindness during these uncertain times, such as:
- showing your appreciation for the key workers and volunteers keeping the country going by taking part in the clap for the carers;
- donating to a food bank or charity;
- offering help to an elderly neighbour; or
- reaching out to a relative, friend or neighbour with a motivational text or virtual catch-up.
Alternatively, you might like to:
- celebrate the achievements of a fellow colleague or student;
- praise a peer for something they have done well; or
- thank someone you appreciate, such as those working hard to help us to continue learning, teaching and working.
If you are uplifted by a kind act, show appreciation by sharing your stories and pictures (with permission) on Twitter using #KindnessMatters and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek to help encourage others to get involved.
As part of the initiative, we’re also highlighting the many support services available to colleagues at Leeds.
The Wellbeing, Safety and Health website contains details of the Counselling and Psychological Support service available to colleagues.
The Staff Mental Health and Disability Network is a welcoming space for all colleagues with a personal interest in mental health. Contact Susan Kilminster for further information.
Support is also offered to those who care for someone with mental health issues through our partnership with Carers Leeds, which is offering confidential one-to-one telephone appointments. Contact the Equality Policy Unit to make a booking request. You can also contact the Carers Leeds advice line on 0113 380 4300 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
Our coronavirus webpages also have further information about support and wellbeing, particularly during these challenging times.
Visit the Equality Policy Unit website to find out more about Mental Health Awareness Week.