Mental Health Awareness Week 2026
Welcome to the 2026 MPLS Mental Health Awareness Week programme! Since 2021, MPLS has been running a week-long programme of activities in May for everyone and anyone across the University who wants to prioritise their mental health and connect with others.
This year’s theme is ACTION, reminding us that while awareness is vital, real change requires action too.
Our programme…
Our full programme for the week is below, along with our registration form. Please note that a few events have separate registration links, and where there are capacity limits these will be allocated on a first come first serve basis. Depending on numbers, we may need to prioritise staff and students from MPLS.
Please remember to hold the times in your diary - we do not send out calendar appointments. Please do this for all events you register for, and we will communicate the week before MHAW (if not sooner) whether you have a place.
As usual, we will also share daily emails throughout the week. These will highlight local and University resources and support services, as well as lots of useful tips, tricks and ideas to get everyone thinking about their mental health.
If you have any queries or comments or are unable to use the form, please contact us via diversity@mpls.ox.ac.uk.
OUR PROGRAMME IS NOW AT CAPACITY - THANK YOU TO ALL WHO REGISTERED.
Come and sing with the MPLS Amateur Chorus!
This is a beginner-friendly singing group run as part of the MPLS Mental Health Awareness Week, led by Chipping Norton Theatre’s wonderful Lizzie Soden. We will be learning some easy-to-sing, feel-good classic pop songs for a performance on Friday 15 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Everyone is welcome to join, whether you’re a seasoned performer, or you just like to sing in the shower. We look forward to seeing you there! Register via the Form.
- Rehearsals are free to attend and you don’t need to commit to all of them.
- They will run on Wednesdays from 15:00 to 16:30 in Lecture Room 2 of the Thom Building (Engineering dept.)
- on the 29 April, 6 May and 13 May.
Monday 11 May
|
9:30-12:30 In-person, location TBC |
WORKSHOP: Exploring and overcoming imposter phenomenon, with Dr Tracy Bussoli Most people experience self-doubt at some point in their life. We may not feel as knowledgeable as our background suggests or we may attribute our success to luck, secretly feeling that we are not as competent as others perceive us to be. Such thoughts and associated emotions are sometimes referred to as impostor phenomenon (IP). It is difficult to say how many people experience IP as not everyone wants to discuss it. However, some research suggests it is common amongst high achieving individuals such as those working within academia. |
|
10:30 - 11:30 In-person, Radcliffe Science Library |
ACTIVITY: Blind date with a book Looking to meet your perfect literary match or just flirt with a new genre? You can borrow a book at this event but you won’t be able to judge them by their covers as they’ll all be wrapped in paper. Choose your match over hot drinks and snacks, using only a few hints on each book. Are you ready for a reading adventure with tasty pastries? Remember to bring your university card to borrow the book. Reserve your place. Event provided by MPLS and the Radcliffe Science Library. |
|
12:00-13:00 In-person, Radcliffe Science Library |
ACTIVITY: Blooming Good Time - planting event Plants are a wonderful addition to a home or office. At the session you'll plant a wildflower plug (young plant) in a pot, pack in compost and take away the plant with you. It can be kept in the pot or planted outside. Book your place and enjoy the texture of fresh soil on your hands and the joy of a plant to bring home. Come anytime during the 1 hour slot. Event provided by the Radcliffe Science Library. |
Tuesday 12 May
|
10:30-11:30 Online |
TRAINING: Cultivating resilience and self-care for ourselves and others What does it mean to be resilient, what does self-care really mean and how can we best support ourselves and others? In this collaborative and reflective hour, we will better understand what it means to be resilient and identify practical tools and techniques to support ourselves and others. A practical workshop delivered by the MPLS EDI team. |
|
14:00-15:00 Online |
WORKSHOP: Understanding stress and burnout - with Restore This workshop will look at the signs and symptoms of stress and burnout for yourself and others and what you can do to help alleviate them. The session will cover: The Basics (looking at what mental health is and the language to use); stigma; what is stress and the difference between stress and burnout, including workplace statistics; sources of stress and how to manage stress; signs to look out for in colleagues; how to start a supportive conversation and how to listen effectively; and self care. |
|
16:00-17:00 In-person, location TBC |
ACTIVITY: Kickboxing taster session - CANCELLED Capacity limit: 20 Looking for a fun way to blow off steam and try something new? Join our kickboxing taster session, led by experienced trainer Lyle Hopkins, and discover a high-energy workout in a welcoming, beginner-friendly environment. All equipment will be provided - just come in comfortable, sporty clothing and you’re ready to go! |
Wednesday 13 May
|
12:00-12:30 Online |
ACTIVITY: Mindful movement with Alison Brindle Too much time sitting at your desk? Not enough time to get out for a walk or exercise? Join Alison Brindle (MSD) for a 20-minute, low-impact and relaxing session focusing on simple stretches and gentle movement. No special equipment or previous knowledge is required. No sweat is expected, and yes, you can keep your camera off! While Alison is not a trained physio, she learned these exercises while visiting a retreat centre in France a few years back. They are based on the '10 Mindful Movements' practice of Thich Nhat Hanh. |
|
15:00-16:30 In-person, Lecture Room 2, Thom Building |
ACTIVITY: Chorus rehearsal session Come belt your heart out with the MPLS Amateur Chorus! Taught by Chipping Norton Theatre's wonderful Lizzie Soden, learn to sing some beloved classics over three sessions for a performance on Friday 15th. No prior singing training is necessary; everyone is welcome, so come along if you can! There are also rehearsals on 29 April and 6 May (all 15:00-16:30) - ideally, join for all sessions to build up to the performance, but you're also welcome to drop in for any of the sessions that work for you. |
|
19:30-21:30 In-person, Iffley Road Sports Centre |
ACTIVITY: Self-defence in the Dojo Capacity limit: 24 Want to get active and try out something new? Come to the Iffley Road Sports Centre and learn how an ancient Samurai martial art can be applied today to protect yourself without relying on strength. No prior martial arts experience is needed, just bring your energy and some comfortable clothes! |
Thursday 14 May
|
8:30-10:00 In-person, Ashmolean Museum |
ACTIVITY: Private view at the Ashmolean: In Bloom Capacity limit: 80 Start your morning with a stroll through the tranquil and inspirational galleries of the Ashmolean Museum by enjoying exclusive private access to their current special exhibition, In Bloom: How Plants Changed Our World. This major new exhibition takes visitors on a journey from Oxford to the farthest corners of the world and back, uncovering the global stories behind some of Britain’s most beloved blooms – from roses and tulips to camellias and peonies. Featuring over 100 artworks and objects, including drawings, paintings, rare prints, and ceramics, In Bloom explores our changing relationship with the natural world. Teas and coffees will be served in the Rooftop Restaurant from 08:30, followed by a private access to the exhibition from 09:00 - 10:00. Access via the side entrance on St Giles. |
|
11:00-12:00 In-person, Radcliffe Science Library |
ACTIVITY: Mindfulness for beginners Join our experienced trainer Susan Hargreaves on a mindfulness session designed for beginners. Mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety, enhance self-awareness and improve focus. The session will introduce the concept of how we pay attention, and why it is a foundational skill for life. Event provided the Radcliffe Science Library. |
|
12:30-13:00 Balliol College (Broad Street, OX1 3BJ) |
ACTIVITY: Be with Nature Capacity limit: 20 Using different pathways to connect with nature, the session offers the opportunity to experience the wellbeing power of the natural world in the Master’s Garden – secluded by a yew hedge and with newly curated planting and a water feature. Join us to enhance layers of wellbeing through guided nature connection techniques, and for the opportunity to hear about the College gardens.
Meet at the Porters' Lodge for 12:30 |
|
14:00-15:00 Online |
TRAINING: Difficult conversations and giving/receiving feedback We will look at the core components of difficult conversations, and how to give and receive feedback. We will identify some clear, practical steps to help people feel more confident in having these potentially more difficult conversations and to move away from avoiding them. A practical workshop delivered by the MPLS Resolution Service. |
|
17:00-18:30 In-person, Radcliffe Science Library |
ACTIVITY: Crafternoon: Art, Snacks & Good Company Capacity limit: 35 Unwind, get creative, and make something uniquely yours at our relaxed arts and crafts session. We’ll have origami supplies with step-by-step instructions, a selection of craft and painting kits, and plenty of space for you to bring along your own projects - whether that’s crocheting, sketching, or something else entirely. Enjoy a warm, welcoming atmosphere with hot drinks and light snacks. All skill levels are welcome! |
Friday 15 May
|
10:00-11:00 Online |
WORKSHOP: Psychological safety and mattering “Mattering” is the feeling of being seen, noticed, and needed and is a fundamental human need. When people feel included and valued, they are more likely to engage fully, share ideas, and collaborate effectively, leading to a more cohesive and productive work environment. This short workshop will cover the practice of noticing more intentionally and will share some practical tips on building more psychological safety in the work environment. |
|
11:00-12:00 In-person, University Club, 11 Mansfield Road |
ACTIVITY: Yoga Recharge Yoga can be a simple, effective way to support mental wellbeing - helping to ease stress, improve focus, and encourage a sense of calm through movement and breath. Join experienced yoga teacher Ali James for a relaxed, all-levels session. The class will move at a steady, accessible pace with options to suit beginners and more experienced participants. Wear comfortable clothing you can move in. Mats will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer! |
|
12:00-13:00 In-person, location TBC |
WORKSHOP: The inner critic: Friend, Foe, or Both? Capacity limit: 30 All of us have an inner critic. At times it can guide, motivate and protect us—but it can also become harsh, undermining confidence, punishing mistakes, and straining relationships. In this session, Sara will explore current psychological perspectives on the inner critic and suggest ways to develop a more balanced and constructive inner dialogue. About the speaker |
|
16:00-16:30 In-person, Life and Mind Building |
PERFORMANCE: Singing performance by the MPLS Amateur Chorus Join us for a performance by the MPLS Amateur Chorus singing some of our favourite feel-good anthems. Sing along if you want or just come and enjoy the show! |