The Mental Health Working Group is part of the School of Public Health People and Culture Committee. Our purpose is to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all staff and students across the School.

Current priorities

We are currently focusing on 2 main priorities:

  1. Improve wellbeing by better signposting of mental health and other wellbeing resources
  2. Improve access to mental health support

The group is led by Sapna Halder (representing Professional, Technical and Operational family) and with Anastasia Ioakeimidou, Daniel Marsh (representing Professional, Technical and Operational family), Georgie Massen (representing Research family and students), Natasha Croome (representing Teaching and Learning family) and Mehar Chawla (representing honorary clinical staff). We work closely with colleagues across the School to make sure actions are inclusive, effective, and informed by staff feedback.

By improving communication about mental health and wellbeing and improving access to mental health support, the group aims to build a supportive culture where all staff and students can thrive. We welcome input from staff and students. If you have suggestions, feedback, or would like to get involved, please reach out to any of the working group members or contact us via the People and Culture Committee. 

Useful resources

Crisis and immediate support
  • NHS Urgent Mental Health Helplines
    Find a local 24 hour crisis team anywhere in England.
    Website:
  • Samaritans
    Confidential emotional support for anyone who feels overwhelmed, distressed, or in crisis.
    Website:  
    Phone: 116 123
  • Shout Text Service
    24 hour text support for mental health and crisis situations.
    Website:  
    Text: SHOUT to 85258
  • The Listening Place
    Free face to face support for people feeling despair or experiencing suicidal thoughts.
    Website:
  • CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
    Support for people experiencing crisis, loneliness, or low mood.
    Website:  
General mental health information and guidance
  • Action for Happiness
    Resources for happiness and improving wellbeing
    Website:
  • NHS Mental Health Support
    General mental health information, self help tools, and guidance for people of all ages.
    Website:
  • Every Mind Matters
    NHS and Public Health England wellbeing guidance with personalised plans and self-care tools.
    Website:
  • Mind
    Information, guides, and local support for people experiencing mental health problems.
    Website:
  • Rethink Mental Illness
    Support for people living with long term or severe mental health conditions and their carers.
    Website:
  • SANE
    Emotional support and guidance for anyone affected by mental health difficulties.
    Website:
  • Mental Health Foundation
    Addressing the root cause of mental health problems and establishing preventative measures
    Website:
  • Hub of Hope
    Directory of local mental health services and community support.
    Website:  
Community and more specialist support
  • Anxiety UK
    Information, self help tools, and support for people living with anxiety.
    Website:
  • Depression UK
    Peer support and information for people living with depression.
    Website:
  • Young Minds
    Support for young people, families, and adolescents struggling with mental health.
    Website:
  • Age UK
    Emotional and wellbeing support for older adults in the community.
    Website:
  • MindOut
    LGBTQ mental health charity offering support, online chat, and resources.
    Website:
  • Turning Point
    Support for mental health, substance use, and community wellbeing.
    Website:
  • Cruse Bereavement Support
    Help for anyone dealing with grief and bereavement.
    Website:  

Working group members

Sapna Halder

Dr Mehar Chawla

Dr Mehar Chawla

Natasha Croome

Natasha Croome

Daniel Marsh

Georgia Massen