To increase Mental Health Awareness across the University of Delaware community, the Employee Health and Wellbeing (EHW) Team is leveraging networks of people to influence every level of our organization. Training supervisors, faculty, staff and campus leaders to do their work through a wellbeing lens supports a people-first approach that is both impactful and sustainable.

Most recently, EHW’s third cohort of “Managing Well” program participants completed six weeks of online learning and discussion designed to help UD’s managers strengthen their “wellbeing toolbox.” Example topics of discussion have included “Supporting Your Employees During Difficult Times” and “Creating a Sense of Belonging”. This network of more than 50 supervisors will look to come together for an in-person event to strengthen skills, share best practices and build community over the summer.

Beyond “Managing Well”, two additional networks of wellbeing-minded employees are working to support the UD community through personal interactions and grassroots promotion; EHW’s Wellbeing Ambassadors and Mental Health First Aid Networks. To-date, over 100 UD employees have been trained in Mental Health First Aid, a three-year certification that equips participants in prevention and emergency response. These specially trained faculty and staff are committed to supporting individuals on campus by looking for signs and symptoms of mental health concerns, engaging in compassionate conversation and making referrals into appropriate resources.

Learn more about EHW’s Wellbeing Ambassador Network and Mental Health First Aid Training classes on the EHW website. Consider getting involved to help support Mental Health Awareness in your circles on campus.