Diane Phimister, Annette Dix
Coventry University, UK
Biography
Dr Diane Phimister
Diane is the lead for mental health at Coventry University and is a Registered Mental Health Nurse with over 30 years’ experience of working both in the community as a Community Psychiatric Nurse and previously, as an Associate Head of School in the Faculty of Life Sciences at Coventry University.
Diane is leading the implementation of the Mental Health Policy for the group; manages the Mental Health and Wellbeing Zone team and also leads the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Team. Her work as the Associate Head of School for student experience enabled and empowered Diane to support colleagues in developing their skills and encouraged and supported innovation and creativity in teaching practice. Additionally, this post supported Diane’s enthusiasm and commitment to taking a student centric approach; she firmly believes that if we are to produce happy, healthy ambassadors for the university we need to ensure students receive an all-round positive experience supported by content, enthusiastic and committed staff. As such she is actively involved in attempting to address the mental health needs of students as a young population coping with the challenges of Higher Education and has trained in all aspects of MHFA to further this.
Annette Dix
Annette is a physiotherpaist by profession and a Mental Health First Aider and Instructor with over 600 hours of course delivery experience. Annette has enjoyed a long career in clinical and academic Physiotherapy holding many positions in which her Mental Health First Aid skills were useful to staff and students alike, both for the UK and International Coventry University community. Having had extensive experience of working with people with physical health injuries, illnesses and disabilities, she appreciates the effects these have on people’s mental health and wellbeing. With more than 3 decades of experience working with students as their personal tutor, their academic tutor, their clinical mentor and admissions tutor, Annette has expertise in assisting students through difficult and challenging episodes in their entire university careers. She is passionate about developing the whole university approach to Mental Health, and the large range of initiatives that emanate from the Coventry University Group Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy for all.
Abstract
Abstract : Developing a mental health strategy for a higher education institute: Highlights and lowlights