Important Conversations at SERC’s Time to Talk Day

SERC’s HR 'Mind Yourself' team, in collaboration with SERC SU hosted Time to Talk sessions this month to give staff and students the chance to discuss mental health in a relaxed and welcoming environment.  

A Facts and Myths activity focused on breaking down the stigma around talking about mental wellbeing, creating a safe and casual setting to bring people together to talk about mental health, discussing each other’s wellbeing and signposting to mental health services within SERC.   

Maureen McKay, HR Business Partner at SERC said, “Time to Talk Day took place across all campuses and offered interactive activities to engage staff and students in discussions around their mental health and the importance of self-care.”   

She added, "It is so important that people have conversations about their mental health as it helps reduce the stigma.   Events like this encourage people to open up and to not shy away from talking about mental health related topics that can affect anyone.” 

Catherine Shipman, Student Engagement Manager, Quality Improvement and Development at SERC said, “I think that staff and students walk away with a sense that SERC is a safe place to study and work.   It’s an environment that values the wellbeing of everyone. It is a rare opportunity for us to connect around a topic that affects 1 in 3 of us at any time and the activities allowed us to connect in a positive way around a topic that we can often find difficult to talk about.” 

Time to Talk Day is one part of the College’s Wellbeing programme which also involves mental health first aiders across the College for all students and staff as well as access to a 24 hour help through Inspire Wellbeing, email support@inspireworkplaces.org or call 0808 800 0002.