{"id":152,"date":"2024-03-11T16:48:04","date_gmt":"2024-03-11T16:48:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-student-experience\/?p=152"},"modified":"2024-03-14T11:25:56","modified_gmt":"2024-03-14T11:25:56","slug":"university-mental-health-day-2024-thursday-14-march","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-student-experience\/2024\/03\/11\/university-mental-health-day-2024-thursday-14-march\/","title":{"rendered":"University Mental Health Day 2024 \u2013 Thursday 14 March"},"content":{"rendered":"

In this joint blog post, Cassie Wilson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience), reflects on University Mental Health Day and speaks to Jane White, Vice-President (Community & Inclusion).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

University Mental Health Day<\/span><\/a> is run jointly by two charities: Student Minds and the University Mental Health Advisors Network (UMHAN). It is an annual day to get the whole nation talking about mental health at universities and the importance of working together to make mental health a University-wide priority. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Since starting in my previous role of VP, and now as PVC, I have been the strategic lead at Bath for student mental health and wellbeing. This can sometimes feel like a daunting role, but it can also be incredibly rewarding, especially when witnessing the dedicated support on offer to our students at Bath by so many teams and colleagues from all parts of the University and SU. Whether it is academic colleagues providing an open door and a listening ear to students, ResLife checking in with flatmates, Security supporting students at 4 am, or Student Support providing specialist 1:1 support, drop-ins, and group interventions. I\u2019ve also become more aware of the support on offer to staff through this role, including our wellbeing champions, various staff groups & networks, supportive HR colleagues, and in-the-moment support from Care First.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Professor Jane White has recently joined the executive team as Vice-President (Community & Inclusion). Jane has become my co-sponsor for <\/span>Be Well at Bath<\/span><\/a>, our whole University approach to mental health and wellbeing informed by staff and students.\u00a0 Our early discussions have demonstrated that Jane understands the importance of this work for staff and students alike and that she recognises that this isn\u2019t simply about promoting one day in the year:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

University Mental Health Day is an important day to promote, but more vital is what happens the day after, and every day going forward. Mental health difficulties can affect anyone at any time, so it makes the community and culture we create together at Bath so important. Colleagues and students who feel comfortable and part of our diverse community are more likely to ask for help and access support when they need it.\u00a0<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Jane makes an important point, we all contribute to the environment and culture at Bath during our normal day-to-day activities, whether that be working, studying, or researching. And it doesn\u2019t stop there, the informal interactions we have with others on the bus or in the coffee queue or as part of a student or staff society or network all impact how our community feels and works for everyone.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Our interactions with others, the way we treat each other, perhaps noticing if someone is not quite themselves, or listening to a colleague or friend with worries, can all make a real difference. This combined with the support mechanisms I listed earlier, and many others, really does prove that everyone within a large community contributes to the wellbeing of others. We all have a role to play and need to work together to make mental health a priority. I very much look forward to working with Jane on this going forward.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Student Minds video below explains why taking part in University Mental Health Day is more important than ever:<\/p>\n