Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of colleagues is an important part of being a line manager. In the context of Higher Education, managers may be supporting staff through periods of organisational change, increased workload, uncertainty, challenging student situations and pressures both inside and outside work.

This one-day course combines MHFA Aware with practical guidance specifically for line managers working in a Higher Education environment. It will help you recognise changes in mental health, understand how workplace factors can affect wellbeing, and develop the confidence to have supportive conversations when someone may be struggling.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Recognise the signs and indicators that a colleague may be experiencing changes in their mental health or wellbeing.
• Understand how workplace factors such as workload, change, relationships and role pressures can influence mental health and wellbeing.
• Have supportive conversations with colleagues who may be struggling, using effective listening and questioning skills.
• Support colleagues appropriately, including return-to-work discussions, recovery planning, workplace adjustments and signposting to relevant support.
• Apply the boundaries of the manager's role, understanding what support managers can provide and when specialist support or advice should be sought.