Colleagues get involved in Time to Talk Day 2026 events

09 Feb 2026

This Time to Talk Day, colleagues across the Faculty hosted a range of activities for staff to encourage open conversations around mental health and wellbeing.

Thursday, 5 February was Time to Talk Day, the nation's biggest mental health conversation and a chance to listen, share, and talk about what really matters. Colleagues across the Faculty gathered to get involved in a series of activities and events hosted by our Wellbeing Champions – an opportunity for people to take some time away from their desks and connect with one another.

In AMBS, Wellbeing Champions set up a crafting area to encourage mindfulness and a break from screen time. Colleagues were invited to take part in a variety of arts and craft activities, including painting, cross-stitching, mosaic art and more. Staff were also offered 50% off hot drinks from Café 65 to mark the day.

There was a ‘drop-in brew’ session hosted in Waterloo Place where colleagues could grab a free hot drink and catch up with one another, and a ‘Walk and Learn Quest’ around campus to discover facts and trivia about our University.

In Crawford House, team members across the Faculty caught up over games, crafts and sweet treats, sharing their New Year’s resolutions.

The day was a reminder of how important it is to check in with one another – small conversations can make a big difference and talking openly about wellbeing helps to break down the stigma around mental health.

Gemma Keaveney, one of the event organisers, said: "This year's Time to Talk Day was another great success across the Faculty. Through the support of our Wellbeing Champions network, colleagues were able to enjoy a variety of locally hosted activities, including crafts, gaming sessions, and other creative opportunities. Attendance remained strong throughout, with participants engaging enthusiastically in both the activities and with one another. These events continue to provide valuable opportunities to connect with colleagues we may not usually meet, helping to strengthen both our professional relationships and our wider social networks."

Support

The University provides a range of services and activities to help support your mental health. We aim to provide different ways to access mental health support to allow staff to choose the service that they feel is right for them.

The Counselling and Mental Health Service provides a regular programme of workshops for our staff and students.