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Let’s Talk About Mental Health

In this instalment of 'Let's Talk About Disability', we are talking about mental health.

Every year, the first Thursday in March is University Mental Health Day. This day is a reminder to look after ourselves and support others but to also continue talking about our mental health and wellbeing. Having these conversations has never been more important, to raise awareness, recognise the challenges and share information about support.

Not familiar with this instalment's theme? Find out more by clicking below:

How common are mental health problems?

1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England.

The overall number of people reporting mental health problems has been going up in recent years.

You can find more mental health facts and statistics on the Mind website.


Stories from our community

Learn more by reading the personal story of a staff member below and of a student in this blog - Head Strong: How I managed my mental health during my studies.

“After a period of traumatic events in my home life last year, I felt anxious, teary, and had chronic insomnia. I took some time off to look after myself but the feelings of anxiety and low mood were overpowering. It had been suggested that I contact the Employee Assistance Scheme to talk to someone about what support might be available but I had many concerns such as confidentiality, what would be offered and if it would make any difference at all. After much thought I decided I had nothing to lose and made the initial call, and I can honestly say I am so glad I did. I was offered therapy in my local area, which was flexible to my life and working patterns, and was centred on my experience and individual needs. Of course, there was no quick fix- I still have good days and bad days. But when I look back, that support was integral to me moving forward and rebuilding myself. Don’t suffer in silence, speak to someone.”

Anonymous staff member


Staff wellbeing

The Staff Wellbeing Hub provides an overview of all support available for staff.

The Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a confidential support service designed to help University employees deal with personal and professional problems that could be affecting your home life or work life, health, and general wellbeing.

Our EAP service, which is delivered by an organisation called Health Assured, provides a complete support network that offers expert advice and compassionate guidance 24/7, covering a wide range of issues. The EAP service is entirely confidential and individuals who use the service cannot be identified by the University.

The EAP also has a health and wellbeing mobile application My Healthy Advantage, which is available for employees to download and use confidentially. The EAP is a confidential support service designed to help employees deal with personal and professional problems that could be affecting home life or work life, health and general wellbeing.

Togetherall

Through Togetherall, a safe online community where staff and students can connect with others, and both offer and gain advice and support. With a range of online resources and guided support courses we can learn and develop new tools to help our mental health and wellbeing.

Student wellbeing

Wellbeing and Student Support offer a range of services are to students as well as advice to staff supporting students. Initial wellbeing consultations are available on a daily basis, as well as weekly masterclasses and specialist skills sessions. Support and guidance is offered with managing the impact of mental health disabilities on study and students can also access a range of therapeutic interventions and self-help resources.

Staff Network

Join the Disabled Staff Network. The network is open to all staff members with an interest in making the University a more accessible place for all and creating a more inclusive environment.

Students' Union

Find out more about the work of the Students' Union Disabled Students’ Officer and Warwick Enable - the disability liberation and campaigning society on campus for disabled students, their friends, allies and carers or enablers, and anyone who is passionate about disability and inclusivity.

Library support

The Library understands the challenges and stresses of academic life, and the impact this can have on mental health. As such, the Library not only provides support through resources, information, and facilities, but also through connection and community...

Library academic support

Talk to an Academic Support Librarian about research for assignments and projects, reading lists, specialist databases and finding scholarly information.

Library Associates

Library Associates are student volunteers who represent the student communityLink opens in a new window. They can be contacted online to feedback your views and make real changes.

Library accessibility

The Library has a range of services and facilities to support students with disabilities or learning differences whilst studying at Warwick. We can provide individual advice on how to use the Library and signpost further support. We also have our Accessible Study RoomsLink opens in a new window available to for disabled students to book and a wide range of assistive softwareLink opens in a new window for all.

Library community

Connect with your peers at Community Engagement team at Library events and workshops. There’s the Study HappyLink opens in a new window programme and Postgrad specificLink opens in a new window events. There are also events for the teaching community. Check out the Library's What’s on CalendarLink opens in a new window.

Adjustments

Get adjustments to support you in your work or studies.

  • Adjustments for staff: MAP is a tool to help you to have meaningful and confidential conversations with your line manager or other University representative.
  • Adjustments for students: Disability Services can support you to access a range of adjustments, exam arrangements, advice, and one to one study skills support.

BDF resources

As members of the Business Disability Forum, the University has access to a range of Member Resources including toolkits, factsheets, case studies, videos, and webinars to help you understand more about how to be disability inclusive. Just sign up with your University email address to get a free account.

Membership also grants us unlimited access to BDF's confidential Advice Service, a team of expert advisers who are enthusiastic about improving disabled people’s experiences of employment and users of services.

We are committed to creating a culture in which diversity is recognised, understood, and valued. To do this, we need your help to better understand the make-up of our community - please answer the diversity monitoring questions on your personal record. Staff can update on SuccessFactors and students on Student Records Online. It should only take a few minutes of your time. Find out more about what we ask and how we use it.