Mental Health Awareness Week 2024
Imperial’s President Professor Hugh Brady supports MHAW 2024
Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 will take place at Imperial from 13 to 17 May. This is an annual event where there is an opportunity to focus on supporting good mental health. The event has become one of the biggest awareness weeks across the UK and globally. Each year, the Mental Health Foundation continues to set the theme and encourages other organisations to organise and host the week.
The theme for this year is Movement: Moving more for our mental health. Being active is essential for our mental health. Through the theme, we want to help people to find moments for movement in their daily routines.
At Imperial, we will also examine the theme beyond the physical element and encourage people to consider other types of movement, such as career moves, navigating transitions, behavioural changes, or shifts in perspectives and lifestyle choices.
Each year, People and Organisational Development raise awareness around the theme and promotes collaborations across Imperial by organising a series of events and initiatives coordinated with the help of colleagues. The programme offers a unified approach to supporting students and staff and nurtures a culture of compassion and care in line with Imperial’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
We offer a range of events, courses, workshops, and activities for Imperial staff and students. In addition, the Blyth Art Studio is available to current Imperial students and staff during Mental Health Awareness Week. Bring your art supplies with you. Visit the Blyth Art Studio for more information and to register.
Book your place at a Mental Health Awareness Week activity today!
Programme of events
Monday 13 May
All day - SeeingHappy @ Imperial Photography Exhibition.
Activity: Exhibition
For: Staff and students
Format: In person
Join SeeingHappy & Imperial for an inspiring event during UK Mental Health Week! Explore global humanity through photos at the main reception, South Kensington campus.
09:30 - 16:30 - Wellbeing in Research. Register on ICIS/OLM.
Activity: Course
For: Research Staff
Format: Online
Academia can be overwhelming. Learn tools to increase your resilience to stress, anxiety and burnout and to enhance your overall wellbeing.
10:00 - 12:00 - Convergence: Where Art, Science, and Movement Meet Wellbeing. Register on Eventbrite
Activity: Launch and Panel Discussion
For: staff and students
Format: In person
Join us for the opening of MHAW 2024 and take part in a panel discussion with experts from different fields.
12:00 - 13:00 - Mindful Walking. Secret Garden, SK Register on Eventbrite
Activity: Meditation/Walking
For: Staff and students
Format: In person
A guided walking meditation in the Secret Garden. Practice awareness of movement and sensations in our body while we walk.
14:00 - 14:45 - Menopause & Exercise Talk. Register
Activity: Awareness Talk & Q&A
For: Staff and Students
Format: Online
Learn more about menopause's common symptoms, the role of exercise, and its impacts on mental health. This session is open to everyone.
15:00 - 16:00 - Mindful Movement. Register on Eventbrite
Activity: Meditation/Movement
For: Staff and students
Format: In person
A session to practice awareness of our own body while doing very gentle movements. Everyone welcome.
15:00 - 17:00 - Phlourish: Flourishing through Photography with Mandy Seligman. Register on Eventrbrite
Activity: Keynote Speech & Workshop
For: Staff and students
Format: In person
Discover how photographic interventions derived from the science of Positive Psychology can change the way you see and interpret yourself, other people and the world.
17:00 - 17:45 - Aquacise - Water aerobics. Register
Activity: Physical Activity Session
For: Staff and students
Format: In person
Join Move Imperial for a low-impact workout in the swimming pool at Ethos. A great way to dip your toe into the world of movement!
Tuesday 14 May
All day - SeeingHappy @ Imperial Photography Exhibition.
Activity: Exhibition
For: Staff and students
Format: In person
Join SeeingHappy & Imperial for an inspiring event during UK Mental Health Week! Explore global humanity through photos at the main reception, South Kensington campus.
10:00 - 10:30 - Confidential Care - Mental health and wellbeing support available to Staff. Register on Eventbrite
Activity: Briefing Session
For: Staff
Format: Online
Learn more about the confidential mental health and wellbeing support available to you at Imperial.
11:00 - 12:00 - Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Tools for beginners. Register on Eventbrite
Activity: Webinar
For: Staff and Students
Format: Online
What is ACT? What are the six main skills of ACT? Discover practical ways to use ACT in your life.
13:00 - 14:00 - Mindful drawing. Register on Eventbrite
Activity: Workshop
For: Staff and Students
Format: In Person
A playful drawing art class to help relax and unwind. Suitable for all levels. No drawing experience is necessary.
14:00 - 16:30 - 'How to Thrive' Film and Discussion with Chief Thrive Guide Marie McLeod. Register on Eventbrite
Activity: Film Screening & Discussion
For: Staff and students
Format: In Person
Do not miss the opportunity to join us at the screening of "How to Thrive". Is there a secret formula to happiness? Discover the impact of positive psychology interventions on a group of volunteers with mental health issues.
15:00 - 16:00 - Boxing. Register
Activity: Physical Activity Session
For: Staff and students
Format: In person
Boxing is a great activity for increasing your heart rate and building strength. But did you know that it also has several mental health benefits, including boosting mood, reducing stress, and improving confidence? Why not give it a go with Move Imperial?
16:15 - 17:00 or 17:15 - 18:00 - Forest therapy. Register
Activity: Physical Activity Session
For: staff and students
Format: In person
Turn your screen time into green time. This session offers a unique offsite experience that combines the tranquillity of nature with the power of guided mindfulness exercises and relaxation techniques. This session will provide a slow-paced and immersive activity that will leave you feeling refreshed and reconnected.
Wednesday 15 May
Ends at 14:00 - SeeingHappy @ Imperial Photography Exhibition.
Activity: Exhibition
For: Staff and students
Format: In person
Join SeeingHappy & Imperial for an inspiring event during UK Mental Health Week! Explore global humanity through photos at the main reception, South Kensington campus.
10:00 - 12:00 - Preparing to Return from Maternity Leave. Register on Eventbrite
Activity: Workshop
For: Staff
Format: In person
Discuss pregnancy, personal strategies for achieving better work-life balance, boosting confidence and rethinking career direction.
11:30 - 12:30 - How can we support the physical health of people with serious mental illness?
Register on Eventbrite
Activity: Workshop
For: Staff and Students
Format: Online
Understand the link between physical and mental health from a researcher and patient perspective.
12:30 - 13:00 - Testicular Cancer Awareness Register
Activity: Awareness Talk
For: Staff and Students
Format: In Person
A unique opportunity to learn more and break down the stigma associated with testicular cancer. Open to everyone!
12:30 - 14:00 - Ups, downs and wellbeing: Emotion regulation in university teaching and learning. Register
Activity: Workshop
For: Staff and Students
Format: In person
Critically explore the value of emotional variety in learning and teaching and strategies for emotion regulation to support achievement and wellbeing.
14:30 - 15:30 - Gardening. Register on Eventbrite
Activity: Workshop
For: Staff and Students
Format: In person
The Gardening Club welcomes anyone who feels like doing a bit of gardening in the recently refurbished part of the Secret Garden.
14:30 - 16:00 - Collaborating for good mental health using Lego®SeriousPlay®. Register on Eventbrite
Activity: Workshop
For: Staff
Format: In person
Interactive workshop to raise awareness of the diversity of thought and the needs within the group, when considering mental health.
16:30 - 17:00 - Midweek Reset - Stretch and Switch Off. Register
Activity: Physical Activity Session
For: Staff and Students
Format: Online
Move to release feel-good hormones to reduce stress and anxiety and help us sleep better. Join Karen online to move your body and relax the mind.
Thursday 16 May
09:00 - 17:30 - Moving Towards Managing Your First Research Group. Register on ICIS/OLM
Activity: Course
For: Staff
Format: In Person
Calling new Principal Investigators: learn how to manage time, staff and funding at this one-day workshop.
09:30 - 11:00 - Career Moves: Cultivating your Career. Register on Eventbrite
Activity: Workshop
For: Staff
Format: Online
Learn about the Career Moves toolkit and how to move your career to the next level.
10:00 - 12:00 - Yoga for Managing the Monthly Cycle. Register
Activity: Coaching & Physical Activity session
For: Staff and students
Format: In Person
Yoga, discussions and poetry readings in a safe environment for those women who suffer from painful menstrual periods.
12:30 - 13:30 - Chalks with Clare Wilson. Register on Eventbrite
Activity: Workshop
For: Staff and students
Format: In Person
Free classes specially designed to cater to all abilities, so whether you are an absolute beginner or an experienced artist, the tutor has something special to offer you.
13:00 - 14:00 - Climbing, Ethos Sports Centre. Register
Activity: Physical Activity Session
For: Staff and students
Format: In person
Climbing is great for your physical and mental health! Sign up for a session with Move Imperial (full induction given).
13:00 - 13:45 - Oculi Ensemble - String sextet. Just turn up.
Activity: Lunchtime concert
For: Staff and students
Format: In Person
Enjoy a lunchtime concert! The Oculi Ensemble will be performing the Brahms String Sextet No 1 in Bb major Op 18.
Read Lecture Theatre, Level 5, Sherfield, South Kensington Campus.
13:30 - 14:30 - Chalks with Clare Wilson. Register on Eventbrite
Activity: Workshop
For: Staff and students
Format: In Person
Free classes specially designed to cater to all abilities, so whether you are an absolute beginner or an experienced artist, the tutor has something special to offer you.
15:00 - 16:30 - Sip and Paint: A Mindful Painting Workshop. *Fully booked*
Activity: Art Class
For: Staff
Format: In Person
Tap into your inner Van Gogh! Register for a mindfulness, creative painting experience that will help you to relax and unwind.
15:00 - 17:00 - Restorative Yoga for Menopause. Register
Activity: Coaching & Physical Activity session
For: Staff and students
Format: In Person
Women's group coaching & Yoga for peri- to post-menopause journey. Informative talk tailored to symptoms experienced.
Friday 17 May
09:00 - 10:00 - Drop-in Coffee Morning with ABLE. Join on MS Teams
Activity: Weekly Coffee
For: Staff and PhD Students
Format: Online
Learn more about how mental health impacts our disabled community and those with long-term health conditions. Discuss/share your lived experience in a safe, informal environment.
10:00 - 11:00 - Parents, Carers and Benefits. Register on Eventbrite
Activity: Workshop
For: Staff
Format: Online
Find out what staff benefits are available at Imperial, with a strong focus on family-friendly provisions for parents/carers!
11:00 - 11:30 - Mental Health First Aid Briefing. Register on Eventbrite
Activity: Information Workshop
For: Staff
Format: Online
Explore our mental health offerings, including Mental Health First Aid Accreditation, half-day refresher, 90-minute awareness briefings, and specialised tracks on minority ethnic and LGBT+ mental health.
11:30 - 12:30 - Embracing Change and Transition. Register on Eventbrite
Activity: Workshop
For: Staff and Students
Format: Online
Learn about the psychological and neurological reasons for negative reactions to change. How do you navigate the Transition Curve? Learn how to apply the 3 key tools for a successful change.
12:30 - 13:00 - Seated Pilates - Stretch and Release. Register
Activity: Physical Activity Session
For: Staff and Students
Format: Online
Join Move Imperial seated Pilates and stretch routine.
13:00 - 14:00 - V&A Walking Tour: Pilgrimage. Register on Eventbrite
Activity: Walking Tour
For: Staff and students
Format: In person
A guided tour of the V&A museum under the theme of "pilgrimage".