The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day on 10 October every year. This year's theme set by the World Federation for Mental Health is 'Mental Health in an Unequal World'.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on people’s mental health. Some groups, including health and other frontline workers, students, people living alone, and those with pre-existing mental health conditions, have been particularly affected. And services for mental, neurological and substance use disorders have been significantly disrupted.
At BU we are joining the conversation to find out more about the issues people are facing and how support is being provided.
We are delighted to welcome Simon Blake OBE, CEO of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England and Dr Pooky Knightsmaith, Director at Creative Education and former chair of the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition. Simon and Pooky will be delivering two separate talks:
Monday 18 October, online, 1pm – 2pm
Mental health post pandemic: simple strategies for supporting young people
Speaker: Dr Pooky Knightsmith
During this session, we’ll consider some of the specific issues that children and young people are facing with their mental health as we move into the next phase of the pandemic. We’ll also explore simple ideas that adults can use to support the young people in their care as well as considering the steps that children and young people can take to help themselves.
Find out more and book your place.
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Wednesday 20 October, Share Lecture Theatre, Talbot Campus, 4pm – 5.30pm
My role as CEO for Mental health First Aid (MHFA) England
Speaker: Simon Blake OBE, CEO MHFA England
During this session, we’ll consider some of the specific issues that people are facing with their mental health as we move through the current pandemic. We will also learn more from the speaker in relation to his role as CEO and his personal observations.
Find out more and book your place.
Supporting you
We recognise that our mental wellbeing is by no means a ‘one size fits all’. Whether you need help adjusting to university life, or just want to talk about how you are feeling, there’s always support available.
Visit the Health & Wellbeing pages of our website to find out more about how we can help. Plus, you might want listen to our Being Well at BU podcast series.
Share your concerns and talk to others
It’s not always easy to either recognise or admit that things are getting too much. Talking to others can often be a real life line. You may find family, friends or colleagues have had similar experiences. Talking things through can help get your thoughts straight and another person might be able to give you a different perspective.
