Leading training provider, HEaTED, recognised World Mental Health Day (WMHD) on 10th October by highlighting the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing within the workplace.
The theme of this year’s WMHD, set by the World Federation for Mental Health, was ‘Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority’.
This is something that HEaTED addresses all year round with its personal development course: How to Handle Conversations about Mental Health and Wellbeing.
The course focuses on providing the higher education technical workforce with the skills needed to effectively support students with their mental health and wellbeing, particularly as technicians often provide significant pastoral care during contact time, to students who may be struggling with matters of mental health.
Sarah Baggley, Operations and Engagement Manager at HEaTED said: “Mental health awareness might be one of the most pressing issues currently facing society today. It is essential that we acknowledge good mental health efforts and work to overcome the barriers that have been put up that keep us from addressing mental health in a positive, productive way. Fighting the stigma, providing support and resources to students and staff is extremely important.
“Our mental health and wellbeing course draws upon a range of essential interpersonal skills to support conversation with a student who discloses mental health and wellbeing concerns. The course allows individuals to gain the skills to effectively support these students, and this is of vital importance.”
In wider efforts to improve mental health and wellbeing within higher education, the University of Sheffield, (host university of HEaTED and the NTDC), became one of 60 universities to join the University Mental Health Charter Programme.
Research from student mental health charity, Student Minds, has found that 1 in 3 students find being at university negatively impacts their mental health, with 1 in 4 students having a diagnosed mental health issue.
The Charter Programme, which is in its second year, brings together universities committed to working towards principles to share practice and create cultural change. This includes a commitment to working with staff and students to provide adequately resourced and effective support services in order to reduce poor mental health and promote good mental health for the whole university community.
To find out more about HEaTED’s mental health and wellbeing course, head here.
