With Spring Term on the horizon, it’s time to talk about mental health, how to discuss issues stigma free and how to look out for your mates if they hit a rough patch.
With Spring Term on the horizon it’s time to talk about mental health, and in particular, the ways in which you can discuss issues stigma-free and understand how to look out for your mates if they hit a hard patch.
We know from past experience that coming back after the Christmas break can be tough for some people, so it’s more important than ever that we continue to talk openly about mental health and the very different forms it can take.
That’s why we’ve pulled together a series of events and campaigns to tackle these difficult issues head on, so here’s what you should be looking out for in the coming weeks.
Mental Health First Aid Training
Continuing on from the success of last term, your VP Welfare and Diversity, Willow Wong, and your VP Societies and Media, Holly Hughes, will be running more mental health first aid training sessions. These free events will be a chance to learn more about various mental health conditions, as well as what to do if you encounter them. Please note that this session does not award a valid mental health first aid certificate.
It will however equip you with everything you need to become a fantastic advocate and supporter of mental health. So if you’re part of a committee, one of our reps, or just someone who wants to know more, make sure you watch out for updates on when the next training session will be.
Willow and Holly both completed a two day course run by Mental Health First Aid England (MHFAE)
“It’s All in Your Head” Lecture Series
Brought to you by the wonderful Mental Health Network, this lecture series will provide a range of talks on a variety of topics, including depression, mindfulness, schizophrenia, and mental health in the LGBT community. The talks will be hosted by field experts as well as by those who have first-hand experience in these issues, so you’re sure to be in for an extremely informative, and potentially touching series of talks.
Between January and March, you’ll have the chance to broaden your knowledge about mental health and to understand more about a variety of topics you may be unfamiliar with.
View the events
Men’s Mental Health Campaign
Holly has also been hard at work planning a week of activities for a mental health campaign focussing specifically on men’s mental health. It’s an issue that is often forgotten, so this campaign will seek to raise the profile of an aspect of mental health that affects too many individuals. We’ll be hosting a broad range of events, from a traffic light lunch, to a rugby game, to a LAN party, meaning that there will be something for everyone to get involved in.
As an organisation, we’re committed to looking after your wellbeing. Your mental health is a huge part of that, and in partnership with you, we want to ensure that you’re not being left behind during your time at Royal Holloway. Make sure you watch out for more updates, events, and campaigns, and we’re looking forward to seeing you take part!