Black Dog Campaign
The ‘Black Dog’ has been used as a metaphor for depression from antiquity to the present day. The Campaign aims to:
- Reduce stigma
- Encourage more people to seek help
- Engage members of the public
- Create a new language for mental illness
- Influence Government and business leaders to adopt the campaign
- Demonstrate the importance of research
- Involve young people in mental health
- Change attitudes of future generations
As part of our drive to create a Culture of Inclusion for All, in 2014 we signed up to the campaign and in October 2015 we welcomed Watt Woof – our very own Black Dog statue following a fundraising campaign.
As a community, we are continuing to take tangible steps to support those who have mental ill-health, bringing mental health out into the open and helping to change mental health for good.
Mental Health Awareness Week 2024
This year's Mental Health Awareness Week is from 13-19 May, and is an annual opportunity to tackle stigma and help people understand and prioritise mental health. During and in the lead up to the week, we will be organising activities and fundraising for SANE. For 2024, the theme is 'Movement: Moving more for our mental health'.
Moving for our mental health
Mon 13 May 12:00-13.30 (UK time) 15:00-16:30 (Dubai time), Virtual
Wed 15 May 10:00-11:30 (UK time) 13:00-14:30 (Dubai time), Virtual
We all know that exercise is good for us but implementing a whole routine into our lives is often daunting and unsustainable. This online session will focus on movements that can be practiced easily and benefit our mental health greatly. With a focus on approach and mindset, participants will learn how to make small changes to promote wellbeing.
Mindfulness (virtual)
Tue 14 May 8:30-9:30 (UK time) 11:30-12:30 (Dubai time) 15:30-16:30 (Malaysia time) , Virtual
Stressed? Feeling anxious? Come along to our online mindfulness session and spend an hour finding ways to help feel calmer. Counsellor Kenny Boyd will guide you through some helpful mindfulness exercises that you can then use in your own time. This session will be held using Microsoft Teams.
This session is for anyone who may not have tried mindfulness before and is curious, or who has some experience and would like to attend as a part of their practice. Beginners are welcome. For this session, please have a small piece of food (such as a raisin, grape, piece of fruit or a chocolate) to hand that you can use. Why will become clear during the practice!
We would not recommend mindfulness for anyone who is severely depressed or experiencing trauma symptoms/disassociation. Please do get in touch in advance if you are unsure, or wish to ask anything, at K.Boyd@hw.ac.uk
Please note if attending that it is best to find a quiet room or spot where you won't be disturbed during the hour.
Walk Talk Learn - Train your brain to be confident
Tue 14 May 10:00-12:00, Edinburgh campus
Have you ever wished that you could present your work better? Or feel more confident to stand up and talk in front of a crowd? Or wished you could feel more certain you were doing the right thing and stop doubting yourself? In this interactive walking session we discuss three things you can do starting now that will make a BIG difference to how confident you are.
Therapets
Tue 14 May 11:00-12:30pm, Zero's, Student Union Building, Edinburgh campus
Did you know that interacting with pets can reduce our stress levels, induce feelings of calm, and produce feel-good chemicals? Come along to a Therapets session for some four-legged, furry joy!
Crafternoon
Tue 14 May 14:00-15:00, Edinburgh Business School first floor lounge
Come along for an afternoon of crafts and conversation! Taking time to do something you enjoy can have a positive effect on your wellbeing and help you deal with the stresses of daily life. Whether you're currently working on a craft project or looking for a new hobby, everyone is welcome! There will be craft supplies and friendly crafters so you can try something new.
RSVP to equality@hw.ac.uk
Songs to put a smile on your face
Wed 15 May 12:00-13:00, Music Cottage
Come along for an hour of uplifting singing including 'Happy' by Pharrell Williams. No music reading experience is required - just bring your voice!
Register by emailing Matt Brown: m.brown@hw.ac.uk
Wellbeing Walk
Wed 15 May 12:00-13:00, Meet at the Walled Garden by Oriam
Take some time for yourself and join our wellbeing walk – an opportunity to meet others, increase your step count and explore campus!
No registration required.
Fundraising coffee morning
Thu 16 May 10:00-12:00, Court Room Lord Balerno Building, Edinburgh campus
Come along to our fundraising coffee morning to find out about the mental health and wellbeing support available at Heriot Watt. This is an opportunity for colleagues and manager alike to come along and ask questions, have some cake and coffee, and get more details around mental health resources, absence, support networks and other HR processes. We'll also be fundraising funds for SANE!
RSVP to Melissa: m.grant@hw.ac.uk
Mindfulness (in-person)
Thu 16 May 13:00-14:00, Chaplaincy lounge, Edinburgh campus
Stressed? Feeling anxious? Come along to our mindfulness session and spend an hour finding ways to help feel calmer. Counsellor Kenny Boyd will guide you through some helpful mindfulness exercises that you can then use in your own time.
This session is for anyone who may not have tried mindfulness before and is curious, or who has some experience and would like to attend as a part of their practice. Beginners are welcome!
We would not recommend mindfulness for anyone who is severely depressed or experiencing trauma symptoms/disassociation. Please do get in touch in advance if you are unsure, or wish to ask anything, at K.Boyd@hw.ac.uk
No registration needed, just turn up!
Walk Talk Learn - Personal Presence
Thu 16 May 14:00-16:00, Edinburgh campus
Personal presence is a state of being which you can learn that helps you make better choices, be more confident and influence the people around you with integrity and credibility. This interactive walking session is designed to help you gain understanding and tools to have impact and change the way people perceive you.
Fundraising
We are continuing to fundraise for SANE, an independent charity that aims to raise awareness, improve services, provide support and host research around mental health. It would be great to have your support.
There are plenty of ways to get involved, you can get inspiration from the SANE fundraising pack which you'll find on this page.
You can donate £5 by texting ‘SANE 5’ to 70470. See other ways to donate here.
British Sign Language version of the Black Dog campaign