Mental Health Awareness Week

Oxford Brookes University is proud to be part of the annual celebration of Mental Health Awareness Week, providing an opportunity to promote, celebrate and raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing.

Mental Health Awareness Week 2025: 12 - 18 May

The theme for this year's Mental Health Awareness Week is ‘Community’.

The Mental Health Foundation say:

Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us, we are not alone. Communities can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give us a sense purpose.

Why is community important for our mental health and wellbeing?

Mental Health Awareness Week Oxford Brookes logo

How can we support a sense of community at Oxford Brookes?

Share what you love - Are you interested in joining, leading, or facilitating a staff community or special interest group?

Linked to the theme of community, the Staff Wellbeing at Work Network is exploring ways to support staff-led communities and hobby-based groups at Oxford Brookes. These groups could focus on anything from book or film clubs to gardening, crafting, walking, or sports—any shared interest that brings people together. 

Interested? Complete this short survey. Your feedback will help shape new opportunities for staff engagement, wellbeing, and community building at Oxford Brookes.

What can you do in your teams?

Why not take the opportunity to strengthen connections within your team by organising an informal coffee morning or catch-up during one of your anchor days? This year’s ‘community’ theme highlights the importance of feeling connected and supported at work. A simple shared break can go a long way in building a sense of belonging, boosting morale, and supporting wellbeing, especially in busy periods. Whether it's tea, coffee, or just a chat, it's a great way to pause, check in, and be part of your team's community.

Strengthening community through volunteering

Our volunteering policy, which offers staff paid time off to volunteer, is one way we can all contribute to building stronger communities — both within and beyond the University. Volunteering not only supports local causes and initiatives, but also helps foster a sense of connection, purpose, and shared responsibility. During Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s a great time to reflect on how giving a little time can make a big difference to others — and to our own wellbeing.

Our Diversity Networks

Our diversity networks play a vital role in fostering a sense of community and belonging, particularly for people who may face barriers or feel underrepresented. These networks provide safe, supportive spaces where people can connect, share experiences, and influence positive change across the University. By bringing colleagues together around shared identities and interests, they help strengthen the wider community and promote a more inclusive culture for everyone.

Sports and physical activity

Sport and physical activity can be a great way to build community, bringing people together across roles and departments and boosting wellbeing. Whether it’s joining a staff sports team, taking part in a friendly game, or simply getting active with colleagues, these shared experiences help strengthen connections and foster a sense of belonging. Participating in sport isn’t just good for your physical health — it’s a powerful way to feel part of something bigger.   See the Staff ActiveStudent Active webpages for more information.

Events

Calendar of staff events to support community and wellbeing during Mental Health Awareness week:


You can find details of other events and activities running throughout the year on the Wellbeing Events Google Site.