University of Leicester launches ‘inspirational’ mental health guide
An 'inspirational' guide featuring positive poetry and artwork by staff and students from the University of Leicester will be launched next month at a free event to help spread the positive mental wellbeing message.
The University of Leicester Yellow Book has been created in partnership with RethinkYourMind as part of the Health Matters initiative.
It features photography, art, poetry and illustrations submitted by students and staff inspired by the #IFeelBetterWhen movement and has been designed as a source of inspiration for anyone wanting to positively support their mental health and wellbeing using various tips and techniques, including creative expression.
The President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, Professor Paul Boyle, will speak at the book’s launch at the Attenborough Arts Centre on Friday 15 March between 5.00pm and 8.00pm.
Everyone is invited to attend the free event, which will feature an exhibition of the 30 chosen finalists, a drinks reception and entertainment from Leicester band, Refuge.
Marie Nugent, Public Engagement Manager said: “We are working with the community to deliver a diverse programme of events providing a space for discussion around mental health and wellbeing and invite everyone to attend the launch of this inspirational guide.
“For a lot of people, talking about mental wellbeing is still a big challenge, but sharing positive interventions that work for individuals is a crucial first step in moving away from mental health being associated with negativity.
“Here at the University we consider positive mental wellbeing as being everyone’s business and we think by bringing people together, speaking freely about the challenges we all face and finding out ways we can support each other and ourselves, we can open our minds together to tackle the mental health stigma in our society.”
A free copy of the book, which includes wellbeing material from The Centre of Wellbeing, the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, The Royal College of Psychiatrists and NHS Choices, will be given out to all those who attend the event.