Did you know that the University is now a Carer Positive Employer? There is a web page on the University website offering guidance about the support available to employees who have a caring responsibility so that they can balance work with caring commitments and continue to be effective in their role.
See:
The World Health Organisation says: “While the link between suicide and mental disorders (in particular, depression and alcohol use disorders) is well established in high-income countries, many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship break-up or chronic pain and illness.
“In addition, experiencing conflict, disaster, violence, abuse, or loss and a sense of isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behaviour. Suicide rates are also high amongst vulnerable groups who experience discrimination, such as refugees and migrants; indigenous peoples; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) persons; and prisoners. By far the strongest risk factor for suicide is a previous suicide attempt.”
This World Health Day, Friday 7 April, Edinburgh Neuroscience, the Global Health Academy, and Centre for Cognitive Ageing & Cognitive Epidemiology, are asking: What factors make some people more resilient to depression than others?
Join speakers for a thought-provoking evening to untangle the complex concept of resilience at: Untangling Resilience to Depression, 5.30-7pm, Friday 7 April, Lecture Theatre G03, 50 George Square.
Register at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/untangling-resilience-to-depression-tickets-32593442865
The Student Disability Service will run a three day event for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) or Asperger’s Syndrome, 26-28 July 2017 introduce students to university life and give them a chance to make friends.
Find out more at: http://www.ed.ac.uk/student-disability-service/new-students/transition-event-for-students-with-asd
The number of students in the UK seeking support for mental health issues has increased significantly in recent years. This month, the University launched a strategy to improve support for students who experience mental health issues. An extract from the strategy, as it relates specifically to Schools, says the University aims to:
For the full strategy see: student_mental_health_strategy-2017 or find it online here: http://www.ed.ac.uk/academic-services/policies-regulations/student-support
A summary of student support within Informatics, and links to specialist support in the University, can be found on the School intranet at: http://web.inf.ed.ac.uk/infweb/student-services/ito/admin/student-support-summary
On in four of us experience mental health problems but struggle to find the words to talk about how we’re feeling.
The University’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Week, themed ‘Let’s Talk’ is taking place until 5 February, organised by the Students’ Association.
Check out the list of resources and services, pick up a tote bag full of information at the Main Library on Friday, or go along to some of the events. Examples include:
• Development of the Student Mental Health Strategy
• Lunch and Learn: Mental Health 101
• Eating Disorders Awareness and Support
• Mindfulness Taster with Dr Avinash Bansode
• Introduction to Men’s Mental Health
• Mindfulness Meditation
• Coping with the transition to a new country and culture
• I am… Workshop with the LGBT+ Liberation Group
• Tea and Talk in Halls of Residence
• Hatha Yoga
• Destress with a Taste of Brazil
• Arabic Bellydancing Stressbuster Session
• Speak Your Mind: Exploring Mental Health through Performance.
Last year, the School developed a new section of its website, called Work with us which includes current staff vacancies, Equality and Diversity information (not least details of our Athena SWAN Silver Award) and links to University work-related policies.
The Equality and Diversity section includes a useful list of resources around:
Why not have a browse?
CSTeachingTips is a North American project led by Harvey Mudd College which develops computer science teaching tips to help teachers anticipate students’ difficulties and build upon their strengths.
Resources include a short video / 7-point checklist on Tips for Reducing Bias.
Theme: Rubric.