New East Kent Mind Ambassadors limber up for Mental Elf
East Kent Mind is delighted to welcome two new mental health ambassadors, Katie Whitewood and Rosie Hawkins.
The final-year psychology students at the University of Kent have agreed to be ambassadors for their local charity and support the mental health of students at the University, based in Canterbury.
One of their first tasks is going to be helping with Mental Elf 2024. Mental Elf is a family friendly 5km fun run and is a fundraising event hosted by East Kent Mind. If you would like to join us, visit here: Buy Tickets Here
We spoke to Katie and Rosie to find out a little more about their roles, how they are hoping to help their fellow students and what they think can be done to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
Why did you offer to become East Kent Mind ambassadors?
Rosie: Katie and I are both final-year psychology students who love the subject so much that we want to get involved whenever we can! My motivation to volunteer in this ambassador role has stemmed from personal experiences within my own family, with overcoming mental health challenges. If I can make a difference to at least one person’s life, through raising awareness of mental health importance, then I consider this role an absolute success.
Katie: As a psychology student passionate about mental health, I was very excited when Rosie introduced me to the opportunity to become an ambassador for East Kent Mind. Having previously witnessed Mind’s positive impact as a charity partner at my former workplace, I am eager to support their mission. I’m looking forward to gaining hands-on experience and helping to raise awareness about mental wellbeing in my community.
How do your peers react when you talk with them about mental health?
Katie: In my experience as a psychology student, my peers engage in open and supportive conversations about mental health. However, those outside the field often appear more hesitant to share their thoughts, possibly due to stigma or uncertainty. I am dedicated to creating welcoming and educational environments where everyone feels safe and comfortable discussing mental wellbeing without fear of judgment.
Rosie: I surround myself with people who are very much like myself – so difficult conversations are something we tackle at face value. I know this isn’t always the case with others, and it has certainly taken some time for those around me to become more confident to be able to speak up – myself included. I think building and creating relationships with people where you feel safe and can tell them your troubles is one of the greatest things we can do in such a difficult world, where everyone is expected to “know what they’re doing”.
How can ambassadors at the University help your fellow students?
Rosie: Ambassadors at the university have access to a range of facilities that could be used to promote mental health, such as self-care events. Hosting activities like yoga sessions, meditation workshops, and art therapy classes encourages students to take a break from academic stress and learn self-care practices while relaxing and enjoying something they love. While these events are great, weekly wellbeing challenges, like daily mindfulness exercises often circulate student email inboxes so they can take a moment out of their day to reconnect with themselves and their mind.
Katie: Ambassadors at the university can support students by creating safe, stigma-free spaces for open conversations about mental health, organising workshops and events that educate and raise awareness, and sharing resources and strategies for managing stress, all while collaborating with campus societies already promoting such initiatives. Together, we can foster a more supportive and understanding campus community.
What do you think are the best ways to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health?
Katie: I believe the best ways to reduce mental health stigma are through open conversations, education, and representation. Normalising mental health discussions in everyday settings helps break down misconceptions, while educational programmes and workshops increase awareness and understanding. Highlighting diverse, real-life stories also makes mental health struggles feel more relatable, promoting empathy and acceptance. Additionally, forming partnerships between communities and universities is crucial for enhancing anti-stigma programmes, ensuring they are both effective and inclusive.
Rosie: I think the best way is talking. Peer-support programmes allow those struggling to talk to someone who actually understands and has been there. Seeing someone who has gone through similar challenges and sought help can be comforting and encouraging, letting you know you aren’t alone and that you can get through this.
What are the barriers that students face to seeking help?
Rosie: I think one of the main barriers students face when seeking help is that we have a constant need to be self-reliant and that “everything is okay”, when in fact this cannot be the case all the time. It can also be very difficult to know when you need help. Many students might not recognise signs of mental health problems in themselves. They might think symptoms of stress and anxiety is a “normal” part of student life.
The demand for counselling services is at an all-time high, with long wait times, and limited sessions available. Counselling is unfortunately a limited resource, with the cost of therapy outside the NHS is very expensive, making it almost impossible for students to afford it!
Katie: Students often face barriers to seeking help due to a lack of awareness about available resources, uncertainty about when to speak up, and fear of being judged. Many feel their issues aren’t “serious enough” to warrant support, or that current routines don’t meet their needs, leading them to disengage and struggle in silence.
Why is joining Mental Elf important to you?
Katie: Joining Mental Elf is important to me because it’s an opportunity to stay active and prioritise my mental health, while also supporting a great cause. Many people we encounter daily may be struggling, often unnoticed, and this run fosters a sense of community and togetherness – something that could make a real difference to someone in need.
Rosie: Joining Mental Elf is so important to me because coming together to support such an important cause makes it feel like we are tackling it together. Tackling the stigma of mental health. Combining the charity event with the element of running is really important to me, as it highlights that exercise and mental health really can go hand-in-hand to release those feel-good endorphins. Just by joining in on the run, someone else there may be struggling in silence, but just showing up with a smiley face and a happy attitude may just give them the lift that they need! 😊
A message from Katie and Rosie:
As ambassadors, our mission is clear – to create a supportive community where no one feels they have to face mental health challenges alone. Remember, mental wellbeing is as important as physical health, and there is no issue too small or too big to discuss. Whether you’re a student, or someone navigating life’s complexities, we encourage you to seek support whenever you need it. Please take care of yourselves.
Thanks to both Katie and Rosie for your time and responses. Everyone at East Kent Mind looks forward to working with you in the future.
If you would like to read more about Mental Elf 2024, please visit here: eastkentmind.org.uk/mental-elf-2024
