Exeter University and Marshall E-Learning working together on mental health
The University of Exeter is launching an exciting new mental health initiative. And, there are potentially benefits for other universities too. The digital platform will be available to every university in the UK from March 2022.
The University of Exeter is launching an exciting new mental health initiative. And, there are potentially benefits for other universities too. The digital platform will be available to every university in the UK from March 2022.
The university has existing face to face training focusing on mental health. It made sense that the university developed its own online course for its staff. There was plenty of in-house expertise on hand to write the content.
After launch, the university will undertake an evaluation programme to monitor the effectiveness of the training.
Expertise
Barney Dunn, Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Exeter, wrote the main body of the training course. Professor Barney Dunn, is a research and clinical psychologist. His interest is in improving treatments for mental health problems and to enhance wellbeing, including in organisational settings.
“We developed the training by looking at best practice around workplace wellbeing and mental health from occupational health, organisational psychology, and clinical psychology perspectives; based on experience of developing and delivering training and workshops on these topics to multiple audiences before and during the covid pandemic; and careful consultation with key staff and management stakeholders about what needed to be covered in the training’” - Professor Barney Dunn
Karen Griffiths, Occupational Health Advisor at the University of Exeter also co-created the content. Karen is an RGN and RMN with an occupational health qualification and has worked in occupational health settings for almost twenty years.
Professor Paul Farrand at the University of Exeter provided support. The professor in Clinical Education, Development and Research Psychology, provided advice and input.
Developing the online offering
Marshall E-Learning is experienced in providing specialist content for higher education institutions. David Marshall, Director of Marshall E-Learning, explained; “We wanted to create something helpful for both our long-term client the University of Exeter and the higher education sector as a whole.”
Pro-bono support
Marshall E-Learning worked on a pro-bono basis. This enabled the university to consult staff and academics to work on the content.
A new way of learning
The university wanted an evidence-based online course for all people managers. With more than 6000 employees, online delivery gives greater flexibility to the course. The previous training had the limitations that come with in-person delivery. E-Learning enables the course content to fit into a learner’s time. Staff can incorporate mental health online training into quiet times during their working week.
Contact Marshall E-Learning to find out more about the new mental health initiative, and roll-out to all UK universities.