Mental Health Awareness Week 2020

Hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from Monday 18th - Sunday 24th May 2020 and the theme this year is 'kindness'.

Mental health has become more relevant than ever to all our lives as we manage the impact of the pandemic. This year, Mental Health Awareness week provides an opportunity to get involved and share acts of kindness to inspire and uplift others. Helping others is also beneficial for your own mental health, reducing stress and improving your emotional wellbeing.

Get Involved

There are a variety of ways you could demonstrate kindness during these uncertain times. How will you get involved and who will you uplift? You could;

• Show your appreciation for the key workers and volunteers keeping the country going by taking part in the clap for the carers;
• Donate to a food bank or a charity;
• Offer help to an elderly neighbour; or
• Reach out to a relative, friend or neighbour with a motivational text or virtual catch up.

Alternatively, you might like to;

• Celebrate the achievements of a fellow colleague or student;
• Praise a peer for something they have done well; or
• Thank someone you appreciate, such as those working hard to help us to continue learning, teaching and working.

The Mental Health Foundation has more information about how to get involved with random acts of kindness for Mental Health Awareness week. If you feel inspired, share your random acts of kindness on social media to help encourage others to get involved.  If you are uplifted by a kind act from someone else, show your appreciation by sharing your stories and pictures (with permission) on Twitter using #KindnessMatters and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek.

Mental Health Support from the University of Leeds

If you’re dealing with a mental health issue, the University offers a range of services for staff and students;

• The Wellbeing, Safety and Health website contains details of the Counselling and Psychological Support service available to colleagues.
• The Staff Mental Health and Disability Network provides a welcoming space for colleagues with a personal interest in mental health.
• Support is also offered to those who care for someone with mental health issues, through our partnership with Carers Leeds which is offering confidential one-to-one telephone appointments. Contact the Equality & Inclusion Unit to make a booking request. You can also contact the Carers Leeds advice line on 0113 380 4300 (Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm).
• The Student Counselling and Wellbeing Service remains open with all support now being offered remotely by telephone, email and / or Zoom.
• The University of Leeds Coronavirus web pages also have further information about support and wellbeing, particularly during these challenging times.
• There is a summary of useful and relevant mental health resources available on the  Equality & Inclusion Unit coronavirus web page.

For questions about the information on this page, please contact: equality@leeds.ac.uk