Pioneering mental wellness hub introduced at UWE Bristol

An online platform that allows staff to share stories about a range of issues including mental health, wellbeing and diversity and inclusion is being pioneered at UWE Bristol.

The university is the first higher education institution in the UK to establish a dedicated hub in which users can share their lived experiences of a range of issues on video, as well as viewing stories told by others. It will also direct them to relevant online resources and support services in their area.

The platform, called 'The Let’s Talk Now Hub', uses technology developed by Glasgow-based Frog Systems and is being introduced for staff at the university this month.

Users can search by topic from drop-down menus of issues relevant to them. For each topic, they are directed to professionally filmed and edited videos of people who have experienced those issues, and to a list of contact organisations and agencies in their area who can offer help and support.

A back-end, analytics function will provide UWE Bristol with real-time, anonymised end-user information, allowing it to identify emerging issues of concern to staff and to make strategic management decisions.

UWE Bristol, which employs around 3000 staff across four faculties and a number of professional services, said it is launching the hub to help promote and support healthier learning, working, social environments and approaches that enhance staff health and wellbeing.

Jo Midgley, Registrar and Pro Vice-Chancellor, Student Experience, at UWE Bristol said: ‘‘The mental health and wellbeing of our staff and students is a strategic priority for UWE Bristol as we strive to create an environment which supports healthier learning and working for all.

‘‘The Let’s Talk Now Hub is a welcome addition to our package of holistic support, providing staff with the opportunity to hear about other people’s lived experiences and helping to address particular staff, wellbeing needs, such as the challenges of hybrid working during the pandemic. We look forward to rolling out the pilot scheme to our 3,000 staff and hearing their feedback on this exciting new platform.’’

“Speaking up and out is essential in addressing a range of wellbeing issues for employees and students alike, and video engages in a way that the written word simply cannot. 

“For those struggling with life’s challenges, it is vital to know that you are not alone, that help is available and that others who have experienced similar journeys have come through them.

 “It’s so commendable that UWE Bristol is using its influence and reach in such a positive way to support its campus community.”

 Notes:

•  Frog Systems, founded in 2015, developed the platform over the past two years with £1.8 million in seed funding.
• Clients, which can customise the platform to include the themes and topics relevant to their users, commit to a monthly management fee. Frog maintains and updates the service databases ensuring accuracy of the support information presented to the users.
•  Frog Systems maintains and updates the database of service providers every three months.
• The University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) has a global and inclusive outlook, with approximately 30,000 students and strong industry networks and connections with over 1,000 employers.
• Research at UWE Bristol focuses on real world problems and the University plays a pivotal role in the regional economy.
• With over £300 million invested in infrastructure, buildings and facilities across all Campuses, UWE Bristol is creating a place for learning that is innovative, ambitious, connected, enabling and inclusive.
• UWE Bristol is ranked 21^st in the Guardian university league table, as well as 7th in the UK for student satisfaction, and has been awarded the highest possible rating in the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF) 2018, achieving GOLD Standard. www.uwe.ac.uk

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