LBU shows commitment to mental health through new wellbeing strategy

This ensures the university’s students and staff are supported through their contribution to the city’s economy, culture, and society.

Leeds Beckett’s developing approach to mental health considers four key pillars: physical health, mental health, financial wellbeing, and community/environment. During the past two years, mental health became a more urgent priority for the university, and reactive measures were adopted to ensure that staff and student mental health was protected and prioritised. This ensured that, within a landscape of uncertainty, the Leeds Beckett community remained engaged, resilient and motivated.

What difference has been made?

The new Leeds Beckett University mental health strategy has allowed colleagues to maintain a sense of belonging during remote working periods and has increased signposting to available resources and support. The new learning and development approach has helped to equip managers with the skills needed to support their teams and colleagues to develop coping strategies to help maintain positive wellbeing at work.

The whole university approach to wellbeing was strengthened through frequent communication from Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Slee. The Vice Chancellor’s daily messages have helped colleagues to feel connected, stay up to date with key developments and share good news stories. This not only contributed to colleagues’ sense of belonging to the institution and to the city and wider region, but it continues to celebrate those who are making a positive change in the. As in-person teaching and working has been gradually returning, this frequent communication continues as part of the university’s wellbeing strategy, to keep promoting motivation and a community spirit.

Aims for a mentally healthy community

The university’s mental health and wellbeing commitments continue to develop as the organisation recognises there is always room for improvement around mental health conversations. A new 5-year strategy plan launched in 2021 will help extend the wellbeing strategy and objectives in the long term.

A key aim is to invest in the wellbeing and resilience of colleagues. One step towards this goal is working on the cross-institutional application to the University Mental Health Charter devised by Student Minds. This includes taking meaningful actions to continue to improve the support and culture around mental health at Leeds Beckett University. A constantly improving mental health culture ensures that Leeds Beckett University continues to provide excellent education, research and services to the city and wider region, keeping its students and staff motivated and connected.