Maintaining positive mental well-being fosters resilience, enabling individuals to navigate life’s challenges with clarity, strength, and resilience. It helps us form meaningful relationships and achieve our full potential. Neglecting our mental health can negatively impact all aspects of our lives, impacting not only us as individuals but also the community around us.
To help create an atmosphere of understanding and compassion within the Department of Meteorology and the wider School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences we have several initiatives.
Mental health first aiders
The School now has a group of colleagues who have trained to be Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA). Their role is to be a point of contact for a colleague who is experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress. Mental Health First Aiders are not trained to be therapists or psychiatrists, but they can offer initial support through non-judgemental listening and guidance.
For contact information for the MHFAs please see the signs around the School buildings.
Panel event on Tuesday 14th May 3.30-4.30pm (GU01, Brian Hoskins Building)
This event will bring together members from across our school community to share their individual insights and experiences. We hope this will encourage people to talk more freely about mental health, reducing stigma and creating a more positive culture within the school. We will also highlight sources of information and guidance for students and staff. All staff and PhD students welcome!
Useful links:
https://www.samaritans.org/ – 24 hour, 7 day a week support, whatever you are going through.
NHS Mental Health Crisis Team: https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/contact-us/i-need-help-now/
University of Reading Employee Assistance Programme: https://www.reading.ac.uk/human-resources/working-life/health-and-wellbeing/employee-assistance-programme-eap
Student support line: https://www.reading.ac.uk/essentials/Support-And-Wellbeing/support-line
