World Mental Health Day 2024

 News 

Prioritising Mental Health in the Workplace

This year, to mark World Mental Health Day and the theme of prioritising mental health in the workplace, Bath Spa University is hosting a number of events for its staff and students.

Hosted by Student Wellbeing Services, the different events are free to engage with and encourage staff and students alike to come together and decompress from any potential stresses they may be experiencing.

Go Again and the Bath City FC Foundation have teamed up to provide opportunities for people to connect whilst playing the game they love. These short football sessions encourage physical activity but are also followed by a coffee and conversation, empowering positive discussions around mental health.

The Students’ Union will also be hosting a special gym introduction session in BSU’s Walled Garden, offering the perfect chance to meet new people, shake up their routine and enjoy a sweet treat and chat after the session.

Another event that BSU is hosting on World Mental Health day is an introductory yoga session, hosted by Craig, one of BSU’s Student Wellbeing Services Advisors. There are many physical and mental benefits to yoga such as increased flexibility and stress relief and this introductory session encourages staff and students to relax after a day at work.

As well as the events listed above, students can partake in a number of different workshop events, including a mindful walk, an ‘unplugging’ session, an exploration of safety planning and a Disabled Students Allowance Workshop.

Speaking about the importance of these events, Student Wellbeing Services Engagement and Link Officer James Rumble said:

"Prioritising mental health in the workplace is essential for fostering a supportive and productive environment. When employees feel mentally well, they are more engaged, focused, and resilient, which leads to higher job satisfaction and improved performance. Promoting mental health also reduces absenteeism and burnout, creating a healthier, more sustainable workplace culture.

Offering a range of events to promote mental well-being ensures that employees have diverse opportunities to engage in activities that suit their needs, whether it’s stress relief, mindfulness, or social connection. These initiatives show a commitment to their overall well-being, encouraging a balanced and positive work-life experience."

Bath Spa University also has a number of Mental Health First Aider staff members, with one of them, J Ponte, also touching on the vitality of health and mindfulness in the workplace:

“Urgent things are very good at grabbing our attention, but important things - like our health! - sometimes don't. Sometimes a busy week can get the best of me, but mostly I do my best to decide for myself what I want to focus on every day, before I get swept away in the things vying for my attention. Sometimes it's small things, walks, lunch with colleages, etc. Sometimes it's bigger things. But I always let important be my compass. That compass puts my wellbeing ahead of "that email" everytime!”

Find out more about how Bath Spa University is tackling the stigma and supporting its students and staff throughout World Mental Health Day and beyond.