Phil Packer, founder of the BRIT Challenge, speaks at Solent

One of the highlights of the day was a talk by Phil Packer MBE, the founder of the BRIT Challenge, which was followed by a lunch time wellbeing walk that staff and students were welcome to join.

University Mental Health Day is an important occasion for everyone associated at Solent University, whether it be staff or students, and we are proud of the mental health support we offer.

The British Inspiration Trust (BRIT) exists to support and improve the mental wellbeing of young adults and students and aspires to promote sustained change within the education sector. In July 2022, Southampton Solent University awarded an Honorary Degree to Phil Packer for the incredible and inspirational work he has done to promote mental health in the UK.

Will Hewlett, a third year Sports Journalism student, organised and hosted the live guest talk with Phil that took place before the wellbeing walk. This was the second year that Will had organised the talk and he hopes that it stays an integral part of Solent's participation in University Mental Health Day.

Will said "I've loved leading this event from the ground up. Seeing the smile on Phil's face when he arrived at the University made me feel like it was a job well done from all involved. Being able to share Phil's stories with a smile made the whole event even better."

The event involved a 45-minute unscripted talk from Phil in the Palmerstone lecture theatre, followed by a 15-minute Q&A, all of which was live streamed on the Southampton Solent University YouTube channel. There was then a 'walk and talk' in the East Park opposite the University, where Helen Jones, Chief People and Culture Officer at SSU, chatted to Phil and was joined by members of the Student Union.

Helen Jones said, “We are delighted to be celebrating University Mental Health Day alongside Phil Packer, the founder of the BRIT Challenge.

We have had some fantastic events scheduled for this week to help raise awareness for this important issue around the University and to reinforce a positive culture that we are aiming to implement. We are doing this by getting students and Solent staff to work together within the six pillars of equality and well-being.”

The talk and wellbeing walk were both well attended and we would like to thank Phil Packer, Will Hewlett and all who supported this important event.

Link to SU Instagram post

Link to the YouTube livestream

You can find out more about the events that took place at Solent for Mental Health Day here.

Thanks to Will Hewlett for providing the content for this article.