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Wellbeing

Wellbeing in the Department

The Wellbeing of Staff and Students in the department is of upmost importance. As a department, we pride ourselves on being a caring, friendly and supportive place to work and do not tolerate any form of bullying or harassment.

We understand that work can have an impact on our wellbeing so this page is here to support you. Below you'll find a list of contacts you can reach out to if you are in need of some extra support and a number of resources which may be useful, especially during this period of social-isolation. On the right are a list of events taking place (digitally) in the department to promote our health and wellbeing. 

COVID-19

This is a difficult period for all of us and it’s natural to feel anxious amongst the uncertainty. For many of us remote working is a new challenge, balancing caring responsibilities, an increased workload or change to working pattern. The University has published resources for all and guidelines for managers to support staff during this time.

There are an increasing number of resources available to help our wellbeing, childcare, personal development and even to entertain us while social distancing and self-isolating. See which resources colleagues have recommended and share your ideas with the department in the Common Forum.

Below are some selected tips and resources from the Wellbeing Better Workplace Group on how to support your mental health during this time and events taking place digitally in the department to keep you connected. 

Wellbeing policy

The department is cognisant that all staff are likely to experience some challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic. Our action plan outlines how we will provide clear and consistent advice to support wellbeing and mental health for all department members during this time - including advice to line managers.

Covid-19 wellbeing action plan

Upcoming events

Meditation - Wednesdays 12 noon

Wednesday, 30 September 2020 to Wednesday, 28 October 2020, 12pm - 1pm

Join Ushma Galal for group meditation every Wednesday at 12 noon.

Challenging the "old boys' club" culture in medicine: Daphne Romney's independent report into sexism and harassment at the BMA.

Monday, 16 November 2020, 4pm to 5pm @ Online

Let's talk

Mental Health First Aiders

Bullying and Harassment Advisors

Emergency Contacts

HR Team

Catherine Pope is a champion for EMCR and CTU groups and is available to discuss issues arising for individuals who consider themselves a member of one of these groups. 

Stay Connected

How to Stay Connected (The Conversation) 

Disabled Staff Network 
Open to all staff with a mental health condition, specific learning difficulty, sensory impairment, chronic illness, mobility impairment and/or other long-term condition.

LGBT+ staff network

BME staff network

Create a Microsoft Teams Group to chat with colleagues and hold a coffee morning or use Zoom or Skype to have virtual dinner with friends and family or simply create a WhatsApp Group to stay in touch. 

Mindfulness

HeadSpace Meditation App 

Calm Meditation App

Relaxation Sleep and Relaxation Melodic Sounds 

Be Mindful Course - Oxford Mindfulness Centre

The wellbeing group recommends being creative - start a journal, read a book, write, draw, paint, and move. 

Have a suggestion to share?

 Colleagues across the department are sharing resources in the Common Forum.

The University has put together even more resources and suggestions here.

The Better Workplace Group for Wellbeing ran a Wellbeing Month in October 2019 and provided the resources for this page. More information on the Better Workplace Initiative here or contact Jessy Morton.