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Mental Wellbeing in HE Conference 2023: Putting theory into practice - Creating a whole university approach to student and staff wellbeing

Delivered in collaboration with the Mental Wellbeing in HE Expert Group, this conference will address issues of mental wellbeing across all aspects of higher education.

Overview

It is increasingly recognised how important mental health and wellbeing is for staff and student success. Universities and colleges are fast-developing ‘whole institution approaches’ to mental health and wellbeing, not only to improve academic outcomes and retention, but to provide a holistic and positive experience, even in the most challenging times. This one-day conference, organised by the Mental Wellbeing in Higher Education Expert Group in collaboration with Advance HE, via keynotes, panel sessions and case studies from the sector, will provide a constructive space for colleagues to come together to share real-world examples of how they are putting into practice the strategic goal of a whole university approach to student and staff wellbeing.

Booking information

Date: 16 May 2023

Venue: Mercure Piccadilly Hotel, Manchester

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Who should attend?

This conference is organised by frontline professionals for frontline professionals, and will be of interest to Heads of Counselling, Student Welfare Officers, Student Support Officers, Lecturers, and anyone wishing to learn more about identifying and addressing poor mental wellbeing within their students.

Programme

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Mental Wellbeing in HE Conference 2023 Programme

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Abstracts

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Mental Wellbeing in HE Conference 2023 Abstracts

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Speakers

John de Pury

Assistant Director of Policy
,
Universities UK
John de Pury
John leads UUK’s policy work on health education, health research & innovation and the health & wellbeing of students and staff.

He developed the StepChange: Mentally Healthy Universities and Suicide Safer Universities frameworks and currently directs UUK’s work on student drug use.

Prior to UUK, he led the Research & Innovation desk at NHS Confederation. He has a background in consultancy, working across east, south east & central Asia.

Dr Liz Brewster

Senior Lecturer in Medical Education
,
Lancaster University
Dr Liz Brewster
Dr Liz Brewster is a Senior Lecturer in Medical Education at Lancaster University Medical School. Her research sits at the intersections of medical humanities, health sociology and healthcare improvement, with a focus on creative ways of managing mental health issues.

Professor Bridgette Bewick

Professor in Psychological health, wellbeing, and education
,
University of Leeds
Professor Bridgette Bewick
Bridgette is a University of Leeds Professor who has advanced our understanding of how to integrate sense of belonging and wellbeing into university curricula and culture. As the founder of ‘Compassionate Curriculum Conversations’ she’s facilitated a safe space for staff and students to come together and engage in honest and authentic discussion around creating a compassionate and inclusive university experience. Her international career has focussed on placing mental health and wellbeing at the heart of the university experience.

Géraldine Dufour

Consultant, Therapeutic Consultation, Vice-Chair MWBHE Expert Group
Geraldine Dufour
After working for over 20 years in universities, Géraldine set up Therapeutic Consultations to work directly with institutions on issues related to student mental health, counselling, and wellbeing. Former Head of Counselling at the University of Cambridge and working as a consultant and supervisor and trainer with institutions across the sector, Géraldine brings current and practical knowledge to her practice.

Jane Harris

Co-Director of Student Welfare and Support Services and Head of Counselling
,
University of Oxford
Jane Harris
Jane is the Head of Counselling at the University of Oxford, prior to this she was the Head of Student Counselling and Wellbeing at the University of Leeds. Previously Jane held a wide variety of roles in the voluntary sector, particularly in areas relating to social and economic disadvantage, homelessness, substance misuse and mental health difficulties. Jane is a UKCP accredited psychodynamic counsellor, reflective practice group facilitator, Chair elect of HUCS (Heads of University Counselling Services), Co-chair of the Wellbeing in Higher Education Expert Group, hosted by Advance HE, and sits on the BACP Universities and Colleges Division Executive and the Governance Group for Student Space.

Nike Oruh

Clinical Lead Counsellor
,
Edinburgh Napier University
Nike Oruh
Nike is an experienced therapeutic specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the Health & Wellbeing industry. He has spent the past two decades involved in emotional and sexual health, which began with a non-profit organisation whose main aim was to help young people make informed choices.

Mark Fudge

Mental Health Trainer, Charlie Waller Trust
Mark Fudge
Mark has worked in HE for over 20 years and managed a multi-disciplinary Counselling and Mental Health Team, prior to this he worked in the NHS in community development and health promotion. He is a former Chair of BACP Universities and Colleges and a founder member of the SCORE research consortium. He now works for Charlie Waller Trust and Jonathan's Voice alongside a freelance supervision practice.

Julie Castleman

Therapist and Consultant Mental Health Trainer, Charlie Waller Trust
Julie Castleman
Julie has over 18 years’ experience of working in the Counselling and Mental Health sector. As a qualified Integrative Counsellor with BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) Accreditation, Julie has worked in Private Practice, Educational and Workplace settings in a management role and providing individual, group and online counselling covering a diverse range of issues. Julie worked for 9 years at the University of Bath as their Counselling and Mental Health Team Lead

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