Mental Health Week
The changes and challenges of the last year have had a profound impact on many people’s wellbeing, exacerbated pre-existing mental health conditions, and brought about an increased awareness of the importance of looking after our mental health.
In this series of events, to include mindfulness workshops, interactive guidance on building techniques to alleviate stress and anxiety, and a discussion on imposter syndrome, we hope you’ll find the opportunity to take time out, connect with others, and discover more about mental health.
All events are free to attend and, except where otherwise stated, open to all students, staff and Fellows of Jesus College.
Tuesday 24 November, 7.30pm: Mindfulness: an introductory workshop with Grow Mindful
Mindfulness is about awareness, care and choice. It’s paying attention to what’s happening right now, with an open mind, curiosity and kindness, which can help us feel calmer, think clearly and respond wisely. In this introductory workshop, expert Elinor Brown will guide us through the theory and background of mindfulness and introduce some practical exercises.
To register, click here. Registration for this workshop is on a first come, first served basis.
Wednesday 25 November, 12.00 noon: Steadying and grounding workshop with Grow Mindful
Take some time out to find out how mindfulness can help ground and steady us at this time of change and uncertainty, and to practise exercises which help can us stay in the present moment. This workshop is designed to benefit people of all levels of experience – whether you’re new to mindfulness or would like an opportunity to build on what you already know.
To register, click here. Registration for this workshop is on a first come, first served basis.
Wednesday 25 November, 5.30pm: Imposter Syndrome, with Dr Christopher Burlinson (event for students)
Cambridge students are all gifted, successful people. But it’s easy, especially as a new student, to feel that you’re out of your depth, that your friends, lecturers, and supervisors are all cleverer than you and coping better than you, that you don’t belong and you’re about to be found out.
We’ll talk about what it’s like to feel like an imposter, the effects that it can have on your daily life and work, and how to recognise – and start to overcome – this way of thinking.
You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and share your experiences; if you would prefer to do so before the discussion, please write to Christopher Burlinson (cmb29@cam.ac.uk), or to Eleanor Lancelot (e.lancelot@jesus.cam.ac.uk), who will be able to forward your questions or experiences anonymously.
Click here to register.
Wednesday 25 November, 9.45pm: Compline
A short, candlelit service of music and readings to end the day, sung by members of the College Choir. To tune in online, head to the Chapel Facebook page.
Thursday 26 November, 12.30pm: Open Door Calm Spaces led by Mind
Learn skills and techniques to help you cope with stress and anxiety in this interactive guide from leading mental health organisation, Mind.
To register for this workshop, click here.
Also this week
Wind down to… a poem a day
Grab a cuppa, curl up and listen to a poem read by a member of the College community.
Tuesday 24 November: The Sweetness Of Dogs by Mary Oliver read by Sophie Ip
Wednesday 25 November: Rest by Christina Rossetti read by Katharine Ambrose
Thursday 26 November: Coney Island by Van Morrison read by Ian Wilson
More information about student support can be found on the Health and Welfare pages, with further links to resources on the Referral pathways page. Information about staff and Fellows’ welfare support can be found here.
James Crockford, Dean of Chapel, and Eleanor Lancelot, Assistant Chaplain, are available for support, to talk in confidence, or if you would simply like a chat. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
