MediaCityUK’s Wellbeing LIVE
Dates
17
Even before COVID-19, the likelihood of a mental health problem in the creative, media and tech industries was estimated to be three times that of the general population. And the pandemic has only heightened these issues.
That’s why, we’re delighted to announce Wellbeing LIVE at MediaCityUK.
From 17th – 21st May, you’re invited to sign up for a week of inspirational panel sessions with well-known faces, uplifting workshops and practical sessions which aim to benefit people across the creative, media, digital and tech industries, including our large freelance community.
The current schedule is below, covering everything from loss to depression, anxiety to the importance of self-care. Places are limited so please book ASAP via the links below and spread the word to your colleagues and networks.
We’ll add more exciting events over the coming days so please watch this space and follow @mediacityuk #wellbeinglive for updates.
Wellbeing LIVE is a partnership with MediaCityUK-based skills and technology hub, HOST and also supported by many organisations across MediaCityUK and Salford including BUPA, BBC, Salford City Council and mental health peer support charity, Talk About It Mate.
The week of events is also kindly sponsored by Irwin Mitchell.
Full schedule is below with links to book but you can view and download the PDF schedule by clicking here.
Please click here to find information on further resources and support if you are affected by any of the issues covered throughout Wellbeing LIVE.
Capacities are limited and all events are first come, first served.
Upcoming
Monday 17th May
- 18:30 – 19:30
PANEL SESSION: The Unwelcome Visitor: living with long-term depression
Actor and presenter Denise Welch has lived with depression for 30 years. She’ll talk to BBC Radio 1 presenter and mental-health advocate, Katie Thistleton about her ongoing journey with mental health. Tickets here >>
Tuesday 18th May
- 10 – 11am
WEBINAR: Dealing with grief and loss – the impact of the pandemic
Many of us will have experienced feelings of grief and loss over the last 12 months, whether as a result of the pandemic, other bereavements, or the loss many of us may have faced in terms of work. Experienced Mental Health First Aid trainer, Alison Surtees will discuss these feelings as well as offer practical tips. Tickets here >> - 12 – 12:45pm
PANEL SESSION: Managing your mental health and wellbeing as a freelancer
There can be a lot of challenges involved in working for yourself, and it can be easy to forget to add your own wellbeing to the list of things you need to do.
Join participants from HOST’s recent FreelanceHER 100 programme who’ll discuss the specific challenges facing freelancers and the practical tips available to support your mental health and wellbeing. Tickets here >> - 1 – 1.45pm
WEBINAR: Cook-a-long with Gather & Gather – be inspired to create a fresh seasonal dish
Having the headspace to cook up a treat for family and friends is hugely satisfying and good, wholesome food lifts our mood and fuels our bodies too. Take some time-out to learn how to create a delicious spring dish by Gather & Gather’s development chef who is renowned for making healthy cooking easy. Tickets here >> - 2 – 2:45pm
WEBINAR: Eat well for you and the planet too
We know what we should be eating to give ourselves a balanced diet, but have you ever thought about if the foods you consume are good for the planet? Join Food Steps for a practical session on climate-smart eating. Tickets here >> - 3 – 4pm
WEBINAR: Mindful drinking
Join Dru Jaeger, Club Soda co-founder and author of How to Be a Mindful Drinker, to explore the world of mindful drinking. This session will explore tips to tackle lockdown drinking habits and socialising without alcohol. The workshop will not be recorded. Tickets here >> - 6 – 7pm
PANEL SESSION: The best days of your life? The pressures of being young in 2021
Join our brilliant panel as we explore what it’s like to be young in 2021 and what can be done to support young people more. The panel will share their personal experiences and how we can look after our wellbeing at all ages. Tickets here >>
Wednesday 19th May
- 10 – 11am
WEBINAR: Are you OK? Conversations with Colleagues
Sometimes it feels difficult to know how to start a conversation when you feel someone isn’t doing so well. Join Karen Peek from the BBC’s Mental Health team for this session on how to have supportive conversations with friends and colleagues . Tickets here >> - 12 – 12:45pm
PANEL SESSION: The mental health challenges of being a digital entrepreneur
The pandemic has increased consumption of smartphone apps, virtual reality experiences and digital devices to relieve stress and find comfort during this period of isolation and anxiety. A panel of digital entrepreneurs will discuss interesting innovations, products and services in the area of health and wellbeing. Tickets here >> - 1 – 2pm
PANEL SESSION: You are what you wear (after lockdown)
Spent a year in pyjamas or jogging bottoms? Changed shape during lockdown and feel anxious about what to wear to re-enter the world?
Join the stylists of the BBC’s ‘You Are What You Wear’ Kat Farmer, Darren Kennedy, Joey Bevan and Nana who’ll help solve our style problems as well as discuss what to wear to help our mental health and well-being. Tickets here >> - 2 – 2:45pm
WEBINAR: The Every Body Health Talk… for Everybody!
BUPA’s Associate Clinical Director, Dr Naveen Puri will deliver an enlightening and fun session on five key aspects of women’s, men’s and LGBT health that aims to improve our understanding around other genders’ health needs in an accessible and friendly format. Tickets here >> - 3 – 4pm
Webinar: Managing Anxiety
What is anxiety? Is it ok to feel anxious or is it a problem? What can I do to manage my anxieties?
Join Karen Peek from the BBC MENTAL HEALTH TEAM for a practical discussion on these questions and more. Tickets here >> - 6.30 – 7.30pm
Panel Session: Surviving grief: a conversation on loss and the common misconceptions surrounding it.
BBC Radio 5 Live presenter, Nihal Arthanayake will host an honest discussion with actor and author, Shobna Gulati; Shadow Minister for Mental Health and A&E Doctor, Rosena Allin-Khan; and TV presenter and footballer, Jeff Brazier about grief and loss – with a particular focus on the impacts of the pandemic. Tickets here >>
Thursday 20th May
- 8 – 8.45am
WEBINAR: Imposter Syndrome and ‘addressing The Imposter’
Join this session to understand how to acknowledge the ‘imposter’, learn about reliable and well-practiced tools to work on our own self-limiting blockers and consider different ways of thinking about our flaws. Tickets here >> - 10 – 10.45am
WEBINAR: BBC Tech on Selfcare
Self-care can be tough – you may not have the space or mental energy to feel like you have time for yourself. As well as a reminder of what self-care is and why it’s important, this talk will also share some tips and reminders on how to fit self-care around your life and circumstances.
Tickets here >> - 12-1pm
PANEL SESSION: Supporting your workforce’s mental health and wellbeing
Are you an employer looking for advice to ensure your workforce’s wellbeing is protected? Perhaps you’re an employee hoping to measure up how well you’re looked after?
Mo Isap, CEO of MediaCityUK-based skills and technology hub, HOST will talk to leaders from Peel L&P, BUPA, Carbon Creative and our sponsor, Irwin Mitchell on how leading organisations are tackling wellbeing in the climate of COVID, and beyond. Tickets here>>
- 2 – 2.45pm
WEBINAR: Being mindful of meditation at work
Often feel stressed or overwhelmed at work? Or need some head space to get you through the day?
Learning mindfulness techniques can benefit us all. Join Amy Cook, Bupa’s EAP Counsellor, as she introduces you to meditation in an accessible way. Tickets here >>
- 3 – 4pm
WEBINAR: The power of Performance Energy in the workplace
Join BUPA’S, Community Lead, Sharon Kemp, who will give you an insight into how BUPA’s successful Performance Energy programme can help you and your team stay mentally well through challenging times. Tickets here >> - 6 – 8pm
PANEL SESSION AND WORKSHOP: Managing stress and anxiety
After experiencing her own mental health problems and finally resolving the anxiety issues that she had suffered from for years, TV presenter and journalist Anna Richardson trained as a Cognitive Hypnotherapist and co-founded MINDBOX the UK’s first 24-hour online therapy centre. Join a conversation with Anna about her mental health journey followed by a guided relaxation. Tickets here>>