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
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?
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.
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.
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 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.
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 Active & Student Active webpages for more information.
Calendar of staff events to support community and wellbeing during Mental Health Awareness week:
Monday 12 May: Staff Drop in
Staff Drop in 12.30pm - 1.30pm, Chaplaincy Garden Room, Buckley Building, Ground floor
All staff are welcomed for a well-deserved break. Bring your lunch, grab a cuppa and join us in a warm and friendly space to relax and get to know other staff. Puzzles and games, a friendly welcome, hot drinks and biscuits (we are allergy friendly!).
Tuesday 13 May: Active Tuesdays
Active Tuesdays - All day
Free access for staff to our Headington and Harcourt Hill Brookes Sport gym facilities. See the Active Tuesdays webpage for more information.
Wednesday 14 May: Walk and Talk, Wellbeing Café and Crafternoon Tea
Walk and Talk, 12.00pm - 1.00pm, Meet Location: Outside Brookes Sport, Centre for Sport, Headington at 12pm
The Walk & Talk sessions provide an opportunity to meet staff from across the university as well as encourage physical activity during your working day. Walking and talking both positively help your mental and physical wellbeing.
Wellbeing Café 1.00pm - 2.30pm, New Headington Hill Building Café
Take a well-earned break and join us for a relaxed coffee and chat with members of the Wellbeing at Work Network. Come along to connect with colleagues, enjoy some friendly conversation, and hear about how we’re supporting staff clubs, communities, and wellbeing initiatives across the University. Everyone’s welcome!
Crafternoon Tea in the Garden for staff, 1.00 - 3.00pm, Garden Room in Buckley
Crafternoon Tea is a weekly event for both students and staff. Bring your own craft, join in with some light gardening, or just come for tea and company.
Thursday 15 May: Staff Indoor Football and Wellbeing workshop
Staff Indoor Football, 12.00pm - 1.00pm, Brookes Sport, Headington, Sports Hall
Playing 5-a-side or 6-a-side games, the Staff Indoor Football sessions have been running for over 5 years but they are always looking for new faces to join them. For more information, see the Staff Indoor Football webpage.
Wellbeing workshop: Reframing negative thoughts, 10.00am - 11.00am, online
This one-hour interactive workshop will help you to reframe your thoughts to more positive ones and also provide a way to meet colleagues from other parts of the University.
You can find details of other events and activities running throughout the year on the Wellbeing Events Google Site.