Mental Health and Wellbeing Group

Welcome to Me + We

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Group (Me + We) aims to provide accessible mental health support and resources to all members of our community.

Many of us suffer with our mental health, but we’re not always great at talking about it. Me + We hopes to start an open and supportive dialogue around mental health and wellbeing, and to highlight some of the services and supports on offer to students and staff. 

We aim to:

• Start a School-wide conversation about mental health and wellbeing
• Ensure you what supports are available and how to access them
• Highlight the work of our Mental Health First Aiders
• Organise regular social activities dedicated to mental health and wellbeing
• Listen to our community to make sure we’re delivering what you need

Mental Health First Aiders 

The role of the Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider) is to support employees in the workplace who are experiencing mental ill health or distress. This support can vary from having a non-judgmental conversation with a colleague, through to guiding them towards the right support.

If you need help in a crisis or just want to talk to someone, please contact one of the trained Mentral Health First Aiders listed below. If you prefer to speak to a Queen Mary MHFAider from outside of the School, please visit the University MHFA website for a list of contacts. 

Sarah Condron
Katie Hale
Dimitris Kalogiros
Megan Liddle
Felipe Rincón 

Common Problems

Mental health and wellbeing issues are different for all of us and Queen Mary's Advice and Counselling team has created an A-Z of common problems which may help you to identify what supports you need. 

Resources

If you are struggling with your mental health, it is important that you talk to someone. Below is a list of useful resources and if you would like help navigating these, please feel free to reach out to one of our Mental Health First Aiders listed above. 

• The QMUL Advice and Counselling Service runs one-to-one mental health advice sessions.
• They also provide information on althernative supports outside of the university that can help you.
• The QMUL Employee Assistance Programme is a free service that provides a wide range of support for staff wellbeing.
• Other emotional wellbeing resources at QMUL.
• Out of hours support.
• Able Futures can help you manage your mental health at work so you can enjoy more good days.  
• Make an appointment with your GP.
• A list of books and pages available through the QMUL library covering a wide range of mental health and wellbeing topics. 

Events

Me + We will be organising community events throughout the year, so check back to see our upcoming events. 

Previous events

Nov 2022
Me + We Conversation Panel 
Staff and research students attended an informal panel session about mental health and wellbeing. We heard from a broad spectrum of staff and researchers from across the School who shared their experiences of mental health struggles, accessing resources, and where to find support. This was followed by an informal discussion where all attendees were welcome to share their experiences in a safe space. 

Oct 2022
Me + We Wellbeing Succulent Giveaway
To mark the day on 10th October, Me + We gave away 100 free mini succulents to the Maths community. Studies have shown that owning and caring for plants can have a positive impact on our mental health.

June 2022
Me + We Picnic
On one of the hottest days of the year, a group of us got together for a picnic in Mile End Park. It was a good opportunity to down tools and take a break from our screens and spend time with colleagues in a more informal setting. Without any formal agenda, our picnics are a great opportunity to talk about mental health, wellbeing or whatever else is on your mind. 

May 2022
Me + We Launch Event 
Staff and students came together for the launch event during Mental Health Awareness Week. With a welcome talk from Dr Felipe Rincón, the Me + We team outlined the support and resources they can offer the Maths community at Queen Mary. The event was well attended and signalled a positive and enthusiastic approach to talking about mental health at work and university.