The document discusses the mental health and wellbeing of part-time and distance learning postgraduate researchers, emphasizing the need for tailored support due to diverse mental health challenges. It highlights the importance of destigmatizing mental health discussions, fostering good relationships, and addressing structural inequalities in academic settings. Attendees are encouraged to share insights and suggestions for enhancing support and resources within their institutions.

1. Mental Health and Wellbeing of Part Time and
Distance Learning Postgraduate Researchers
Investigating Issues and Interventions
#UKCGEMH

2. Please introduce
yourself to those on
your table and on our
shared padlet

3. Thinking about mental health and wellbeing
• Not neutral, self-explanatory concepts
• Essential to recognise needs of students with diagnosed / emergent mental health
challenges (not ‘one size fits all’) &
• Destigmatise talking about our mental health
• Predominantly western medical model
• Deficit framing - assumptions about ability
• Importance of flexibility - our mental health continually fluctuates
• Pathologising and labelling human responses to situations
• Multi-layered - intensity of learning, life challenges, resources, belonging…

4. Wellbeing
• Wellbeing - multidimensional concept: Physical, mental, spiritual, social, economic
• Sometimes individualising / judgmental / responsibilising
• Decontextualised: structural inequalities, academic cultures and working conditions,
precarity
• Fostering good relationships & community building
• Access to resources
• How can we work together to foster environments that enable the flourishing of all?
• Postgraduate study can enrich lives & enhance wellbeing!

5. Supervisors - what might you take back with you with respect to your supervisory
practices? Any support / resources needed?
All - What might you take back to your institutions?
Are there any changes you would like to see
(institutional / sectoral / policy level)?
What are the barriers to change?
How might they be overcome?
Any further thoughts / ideas / resources to share?
Please discuss and add key takeaways / ideas to the padlet!

6. Resources and
networks