Being Well at UCL: the new staff Mental Health and Wellbeing plan

Work has a key role to play in our health and wellbeing – particularly now, as the ongoing pandemic and lockdown restrictions present unprecedented challenges for our whole community. The new plan replaces our first Wellbeing Strategy, and includes longer-term aims and interventions, which are reportable annually so we can get a longer-term picture of where the challenges lie. The plan also recognises connected agendas from other parts of UCL, including the Equity and Inclusion Plan, Student Health and Wellbeing Strategy and Sustainable UCL, and will support these through collaboration.

The new Mental Health and Wellbeing plan outlines the approach to supporting our staff through four objectives, and initiatives and opportunities to get involved will be communicated via the new ‘Being Well at UCL’ campaign.

Being Well at UCL will highlight three key areas: Healthy Mind, Health Body and Healthy Work, and will showcase a range of ways to get involved for everyone, including free courses and development opportunities, challenges (such as the annual Step Challenge, which logged over 111 million steps last September).

• Sign up to our newsletter by emailing ohw-wellbeing@ucl.ac.uk to learn more about what’s on offer.

Professor Andrew Steptoe, Head, Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, said:

“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought mental health and wellbeing into sharp focus, with staff confronting multiple severe challenges. Many people are facing difficulties in relation to work, health, financial security, home schooling, caring for children and other family members, and other issues. The tools detailed in the UCL Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Plan are valuable resources that will help staff and their families come to grips with some of these serious problems.”