Programme Outline for Intercollegiate Halls

Programme Overview

The U OK programme is designed to build mental health literacy and peer support networks among students in University of London Intercollegiate Halls. It is implemented through a series of six workshops, covering diverse aspects of mental health, facilitated by Mental Health Ambassadors (MHAs). Each workshop serves to spark conversations around mental health challenges students may face and provides guidance on coping strategies while encouraging participants to seek support when needed.

Programme Structure

• Workshops – Six core topics:
• Introduction to Mental Health – Basics of mental health awareness.
• Health & Wellbeing – The impact of lifestyle on mental health.
• Social Pressure – Navigating social challenges.
• Financial Pressure – Managing financial stress.
• Academic Pressure – Healthy study habits.
• Diversity & Inclusion – Promoting mental health in an inclusive community.
• Implementation Timeline: Ambassadors will deliver each of the six workshops once, from November to May, aligning with the hall’s community needs.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Mental Health Ambassadors (MHAs):
• Deliver workshops collaboratively (preferably in pairs) to foster a supportive environment.
• Schedule workshops with the Hall Warden, who will assist with room provision and necessary supplies.
• Report any safeguarding concerns directly to the Hall Warden or the Student Health & Wellbeing Manager  .
• Wardens and Resident Advisors (RAs):
• Wardens provide logistical support (supplies and room provision) and respond to any issues that may arise during workshops.
• Duty RA is on standby for immediate assistance if any concerns arise during a session.
• Central Support:
• Student Health & Wellbeing Manager and Coordinator oversee the programme, holding regular meetings with MHAs to discuss progress and address any challenges.

Workshop Preparation and Delivery

• MHAs follow structured session plans for each workshop, which include timings, main discussion points, activities, and prompts to encourage participant engagement.
• MHAs may adjust session timings and activities based on the hall community’s response and feedback.
• Practice and familiarisation with workshop content are expected before delivery     .

Safeguarding and Reporting

• If an MHA encounters a safeguarding issue, they can escalate it to their Hall Warden or the Student Health & Wellbeing Manager for appropriate action.
• If urgent intervention is required, MHAs should ask their Hall reception/security desk to contact the duty Resident Advisor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Organising, Scheduling, and Advertising a U OK Workshop

1. Initial Planning and Coordination

• Collaborate with the Hall Warden:
• You can find the contact details for your Warden on the CampusLife website. Make sure to reach out well in advance.
• Meet with the Warden to establish the workshop plan, discussing potential dates, venue options, and required materials.
• Confirm arrangements for necessary supplies and room provision and establish a contact method for support on the day.
• Refer to Mental Health Foundation Resources:
• Review the Mental Health Foundation’s workshop materials thoroughly, focusing on relevant handouts, session plans, and signposting sheets provided for each workshop.

2. Scheduling the Workshop

• Confirm Date, Venue, and Supplies:
• With the Warden’s input, confirm the final date, time, and location of the workshop.
• Workshops should be held during times when there is a Resident Advisor on duty (i.e. evenings and weekends).
• Ensure the event doesn’t conflict with other hall activities, and secure any supplies (e.g., printouts, projectors) needed for the session.
• Inform Resident Advisors:
• Share the finalised schedule with Resident Advisors (RAs), and coordinate with them to advertise on the CampusLife website to reach the hall community widely.
• Safeguarding and Support:
• Review the safeguarding guidelines on CampusLife and ensure both you and your co-facilitator are clear on the escalation process for safeguarding concerns.

3. Preparing Workshop Materials

• Workshop Content and Role Division:
• Go through the session plan and decide on lead sections with your co-MHA to ensure a smooth delivery.
• Familiarise yourself with key talking points, activities, and interaction prompts.
• Print and Prepare Handouts:
• Print essential handouts in advance, especially signposting sheets and any other resources suggested by the Mental Health Foundation, for easy distribution during the session.
• Organise Workshop Supplies:
• Gather required items (e.g., sign-in sheets, markers, refreshments) and confirm availability with the Warden.

4. Advertising the Workshop

• Create Posters and Flyers:
• Design posters that clearly state the workshop topic, date, time, and location. Include benefits of attending to increase interest (e.g., “Gain practical tips for managing stress”).
• Get approval from the Warden and display them on hall noticeboards, common areas, and entry points.
• Announce in the Hall’s WhatsApp Group:
• Write a concise and engaging post for the hall’s WhatsApp group, including key details, and encourage participants to attend. Send reminder posts leading up to the workshop date.
• Use word of mouth:
• Talk to your fellow residents and take every opportunity to let them know about your workshop. We find that word of mouth is the best and most reliable way to inform residents about events, and has the highest rate of conversion to people actually turning up.
• CampusLife Website Promotion:
• Work with RAs to promote the workshop on CampusLife, including a description, image, and RSVP or registration link if needed.

5. Workshop Day Setup

• Arrive Early for Setup:
• Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to set up the room, arrange seating, test any tech equipment, and lay out handouts.
• Coordinate with the Duty RA:
• Brief the duty RA about the event details so they can be on standby to assist if any issues arise during the session.
• Use word of mouth some more:
• Where possible, make an announcement at dinner or at brunch immediately before your workshop start time. Or in self-catered halls, try and catch people at the hall entrance.

6. Running the Workshop

• Introduce the Workshop:
• Begin with a warm introduction, explaining the session’s goals, ground rules, and the MHA’s role in facilitating a safe, inclusive environment.
• Lead the Discussion and Activities:
• Guide the conversation using the session plan as a framework. Encourage engagement, questions, and personal reflections from attendees.
• Share Signposting Information:
• Ensure participants leave with the necessary resources and signposting information in case they need further support. Highlight the support available from the Warden’s team and the Student Health & Wellbeing services.

7. Post-Workshop Follow-Up

• Feedback to the Hall Warden about how local arrangements worked out.
• Reflect and report on how things went at the next catch-up with the Student Health & Wellbeing Manager and Student Health & Wellbeing Coordinator.