Through the Mentally Healthy Universities project that has been running at the university, mental health charity Mind have trained over 60 members of staff to become Staff Mental Health Champions and Peer Supporters
This Wellbeing Champions Network is dedicated to changing the way the university community talks about wellbeing and aims to combat the stigma associated with mental health.
Our network of Mental Health Champions and Peer Supporters can offer support, signpost information and provide a listening ear to staff. Staff Mental Health Champions Dr Melanie Thorley and Nevin Bayoumi-Stefanovic tell us why they are involved.
Nevin Bayoumi-Stefanovic
Teaching Fellow in HROB, Faculty of Business
Why did you decide to become a Staff Mental Health Champion and Peer Supporter?
I am a GAD (generalised anxiety disorder) sufferer. I know what it is like to struggle, in particular to frequently feel panicked for no ‘logical reason’, and I have come to understand that these are momentary losses of my coping mechanisms, amongst other things.
If a peer sharing their experience with me may help in any way, I just want it to be known that I really ‘get it’. No matter how competent we look outwardly, on some level, we all have our anxious moments - just some more than others.
What do you think are the benefits of reaching out and opening up if you are struggling? What sort of support do you provide to staff?
Simply put ‘it helps to talk’. It is proven that talking through an issue / a fear / a moment of deep confusion helps the talker. As I am a new Supporter, I would like to offer that ear, hand, shoulder to anyone needing to talk. As lockdown restrictions ease and our support network becomes more embedded, I am happy to offer anything from a ‘walk and talk’, to a simple ‘sit and chat’…and eventually working in small groups. (I’m currently available on Teams by the way!)
For Mental Health Awareness Week, would you like to share some of the things you do to keep yourself well?
Exercise! Nothing beats a good sweat! It helps clear the ‘head fog’.
Hold and be really present with my daughters.
I write…writing my thoughts, and getting that ‘noise’ out of my head onto paper, is very therapeutic.
I use a number of CBT tools and exercises which have proven to be very helpful in stopping the build up of anxious moments.
What is one thing you are most looking forward to once lockdown restrictions end?
Travel abroad. Meeting up with friends and being ‘at ease’.
Dr Melanie Thorley
STAART Manager
Why did you decide to become a Staff Mental Health Champion and Peer Supporter?
I have been supporting my colleagues informally for many years. As I have lived with clinical depression since my teens, I have a good idea how difficult it is to live, work and study when you are experiencing mental distress. Also, I am a very friendly and smiley person and I usually am able to listen and not judge.
What do you think are the benefits of reaching out and opening up if you are struggling? What sort of support do you provide to staff?
Reaching out is paramount to your wellbeing if you are struggling. There are support mechanisms in place for both students and staff. Talking therapies, medication and mindfulness are some of the techniques which support mental wellbeing, but sometimes it is a chat which is helpful.
For Mental Health Awareness Week, would you like to share some of the things you do to keep yourself well?
I am fortunate to live in a semi-rural area and can access nature.
Avoid toxic people. Avoid toxic positivity.
Taking my anti-depressants every day.
Connecting with friends.
What is one thing you are most looking forward to once lockdown restrictions end?
Hugging people.
Support and resources for staff
In addition to our network of Staff Mental Health Champions, staff can also access a wide range of resources and support available through the staff portal:
- our Employee Assistance Program provides Wellbeing Support for Staff, including counselling services
- the Wellbeing Hub and University Mental Health Day webpages have a list of wellbeing articles and resources
- the building personal resilience toolkit provides advice on undertaking remote working while supporting your wellbeing
- mental health charity Mind have put together these Tips for everyday living to help you manage everyday things like work, university, looking after yourself online and more.
If you need support in any way please speak to your manager, connect with your colleagues and look out for the activities your local Mental Health and Wellbeing Champions arrange or signpost. Please remember the university is here to help and support you.
