Mental Health Awareness Week 12 – 18 May 2025 – Give Back Days

Mental Health Awareness Week is run by the Mental Health Foundation, and this year will take place between 12-18 May 2025. The theme this year is ‘Community’, and it will celebrate the power and importance of community.

Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us, we are not alone. Communities can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give us a sense purpose.

Did you know that the University’s Give Back Day scheme enables any colleague to have two days paid leave a year to provide the community or a charity with their time and support.

Give Back Days allow for colleagues to use a working day to provide their time to the local community, whether it be as an individual or as part of a team.

The University has a bank of 150 days per year to which a colleague can apply for up to 2 per 12 month rolling period.

Examples of how Give Back Days can be used:

– Duke of Edinburgh leader

– Scout / Brownie leader

– Volunteering at a local kitchen for the homeless

– Participating in arranged activities at Riseholme, such as bulb planting or lambing

– Volunteering at an animal shelter

For further information please visit: https://hr.lincoln.ac.uk/wellbeing/social-sports-and-activities/give-back-days/

Please share your stories with us at: staffwellbeing@lincoln.ac.uk and on your socials using #ThisIsMyCommunity

Story submitted by Jo Wilkinson
jwilkinson@lincoln.ac.uk