Black Dog Campaign

Watt Woof black dog statue

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 2023

This year's Mental Health Awareness Week is from 15-21 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

Couch to 5K

Coaching sessions every Mon and Wed 12:15-13:00, meet at front of Oriam

A running plan for absolute beginners, the Couch to 5K aims to develop running endurance through a series of guided runs over an 8-week period. This can be completed anywhere you wish, whether that’s on the treadmill or outside! ​​​​​Running can boost your confidence, relieve stress, and even combat depression. The programme will run 1 May to 24 June. 

Sign up here.

Therapets

Tues 9 May, Court Room, Lord Balerno Building

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!

Book a 15 minute slot here

Wellbeing Walk

Thu 11 May 12:00-13:00, meet at Oriam Front Entrance

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. 

Singing for fun in the Music Cottage

Wed 17 May 13.00-14.00, Music Cottage

Come along for an hour of uplifting singing including putting together a version of Roger Emerson's 'Shoshone Love Song' - a setting of the native American lyric 'My heart's Friend'. No music reading experience required - just bring your voice!

Register by emailing Matt Brown: m.brown@hw.ac.uk

30-minute HIIT (low impact)

Thu 18 May 12:15-12:45, Walled garden next to Oriam

Join us in the walled garden alongside Watt Woof for a FREE 30-minute HIIT class! Open to all abilities, this class will provide a welcome break from your desk and set up a productive afternoon. No equipment required; outdoor kit recommended. 

Register here.

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  

Key information

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion