World Mental Health Day 2020

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises World Mental Health Day on 10 October, as an opportunity “to raise global awareness of mental health issues and to stimulate advocacy”.

This year the WHO are hosting a global online event, where world leaders, mental health experts and celebrity guests will join WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, to discuss how to help make sure that quality mental health care is available to everyone who needs it.

The Big Event for Mental Health will be streamed live at 3-6pm (GMT) on social media channels.

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 has 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. Contact Susan Kilminster for further information.
• Support is 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 and Mental Health and Wellbeing webpage.
• The Leeds University Union have a number of relevant societies including Mind Matters and Mantality.

Local Mental Health Support in Leeds

• Leeds Mind provide advice and support for anyone experiencing mental health difficulties.
• MindWell Leeds provides  up-to-date mental health information in Leeds, including information about mental health support groups for men.
• The Women’s Counselling and Therapy Service provides mental health and emotional wellbeing support for women living in Leeds.
• Forward Leeds is the alcohol and drug service in Leeds for adults, young people and families.
• The Market Place offers free and confidential support for 11-25 year olds in Leeds, including one to one support, counselling, group-work and drop-ins.
• The Samaritans in Leeds provide confidential non-judgemental support to people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
• Leeds suicide bereavement service is run by Leeds Mind and Leeds Survivor Led Crisis Service. You can access support as an individual, family or work place and they provide 1:1, peer groups, family support and counselling.
• Support After Rape and Sexual Violence Leeds is the dedicated Rape Crisis Centre for all women and girls in Leeds affected by rape and sexual violence.
• Leeds Domestic Violence Servic (LDVS) works with women, men and families in Leeds, offering emergency accommodation, support, advice and advocacy. LDVS supports anyone experiencing domestic violence and abuse and actively encourages people from LGBT+ communities to access their support.

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