During this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week Edge Hill is highlighting the huge range of support their wellbeing teams have put together for students and staff.
As everyone adjusts to life in lockdown the University is reminding everyone that they are part of the Edge Hill community and have the support of hundreds of classmates and colleagues.
To help students and staff stay aware of both their own mental health and the mental health of others Edge Hill set up an online Wellbeing Hub. The hub gives access to a wide range of resources that offer advice on how to cope during lockdown and how to help others who might be struggling.
Amanda Herrity, Staff Wellbeing, Development and Engagement Lead at Edge Hill University said:
“Before this pandemic happened, we had established a strategic framework, Wellbeing for All, which is made up of key partners from both Human Resources and Student Services.
“Having this group has enabled us to get our wellbeing support in place quickly for both our students and staff. Early on in the pandemic we had launched a wellbeing hub which contains information on how to support yourself and others, which is based on the NHS five ways to wellbeing; take notice, keep learning, connect, give and be active.”
As well as the hub Edge Hill is encouraging staff to take part in the Pulse Survey which launched today (18th May). The aim is to gain an insight into how the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown are impacting on people’s activity, work and health.
The University has also offered training to all staff so that they feel confident in supporting others, talking to students and knowing how and when to refer them for more support. Staff can access the training here – edgehill.learnupon.com/catalog/courses/822573
However, it is also important to recognise everyone is experiencing lockdown differently and some people might be struggling with their own mental health. We asked Dan Cross, the Director of bereavement charity Strong Men, how he is coping in lockdown and what advice he would give to our students and staff. Dan has previously visited Edge Hill to share his powerful story of coping with the loss of his wife.
Dan Cross said:
“If you are struggling a little bit too much don’t be afraid to ask for support. Whether you’re staff or a student support is available to you, just ask for it if you need it. Above all stay positive, keep your chin up, stay in touch with friends and family and we’ll get through this together.”
You can watch Dan’s lovely message on how to stay resilient in full here
This week please check out the resources that have been made available for students, staff and the general public:
- Edge Hill has launched a dedicated Wellbeing Support Service that our staff and frontline students can access. This service will connect staff with qualified counsellors, for issues centred around the current covid-19 pandemic. The help on offer can focus on ways of finding solutions to problems, ways of coping or just a safe place to talk.
- Edge Hill has opened up the “Big White Wall” to all staff and students which provides access to a 24/7 online community and professional support from trained counsellors.
- The Wellbeing and Counselling Team is continuing to offer telephone appointments. These can be booked either by emailing [email protected] or by following the link https://careerhub.edgehill.ac.uk/students
- Edge Hill have partnered with mental fitness app Fika during this COVID-19 period, enabling all students to access Fika’s COVID-19 package for free
- The University have put together a range of COVID-19 specific online materials which can be accessed via the link https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentservices/wellbeing/covid-19.
- The Campus Life team have created a full programme of online events to help students feel part of the Edge Hill community, wherever they are in the world. Activities include Netflix watch parties, weekly competitions and live chat sessions.
It is hoped that this package of support will help students and staff stay mentally strong during lockdown so that when the pandemic is over we are all ready to return to campus happy and ready to learn.
If you’re a student and need advice and support for your wellbeing, email [email protected].
If you’re a member of staff, the wellbeing and development team are available by email [email protected] to provide support.