Stick It To Stigma - Mental Health and the Workplace

Mental health affects every one of us – yet, in many workplaces, it’s still a topic avoided or misunderstood. This timely event invites students, professionals, local businesses and the wider community to join an open and challenging conversation about mental health in the world of work.

Why does stigma remain so persistent? What needs to change – in our organisations, our culture, and ourselves – to create environments where wellbeing is truly valued? Hear from those leading change and shaping healthier, more inclusive workplaces – and explore how we can all contribute to making a difference.

Understanding mental health is not only a moral imperative – it makes good business sense. Employers who invest in wellbeing benefit from improved productivity, stronger staff engagement, and lower rates of sickness absence. Healthy minds support high-performing teams.

Whether you're a student preparing for your future career, an employer seeking to support your staff, or simply someone who cares about mental health, this event offers insight, connection and a space for honest discussion. Join us this World Mental Health Day to be part of the conversation.

Speakers:

Our panel is chaired by Dr Alistair Ross, Director of Psychodynamic Studies and Fellow of Kellogg College, and includes two pioneers working to reshape workplace culture, and an “expert by experience”, who will share their personal experiences of mental health in the workplace, offering first-hand insight into the challenges – and possibilities – for change.

• Lucy Turner, Chief Purpose Officer, The Gamechanger Collective

Recognised as a successful entrepreneur, Lucy challenges clients across the life sciences sector to explore new ideas and ways of doing things, aligning purpose with overall business objectives.

• Richard Harmer, Chief Inclusionist, The North Star Collective

Richard has spent years navigating the world of healthcare systems, cutting through the red tape, and actually making things happen - not just talking about it. After honing his skills in both public and private sector roles, he followed his real passion – making workplaces that actually work for people.

• Mark Alexander, CEO, AirTanker, and Alex Batter, Wellbeing and Inclusion Lead, AirTanker

Event timings: Tea and coffee will be served at 5pm, and the talk will be from 5.30pm until 6.30pm, followed by a drinks reception.

Please note that this event may be oversubscribed, and we may operate a waiting list. If you unable to attend after booking, please let us know by emailing: events@kellogg.ox.ac.uk

Kellogg College and Oxfordshire Mind

This event is hosted and organised by Kellogg College in collaboration with Oxfordshire Mind.

Kellogg College is one of the largest and most international graduate colleges at the University of Oxford. Founded with a strong commitment to lifelong, part-time and flexible learning, it is home to a vibrant and diverse academic community. The College supports students across a wide range of disciplines and fosters an inclusive, forward-thinking environment. With a distinctive ethos rooted in access, impact and innovation, Kellogg plays a key role in shaping Oxford’s engagement with the wider world.

Oxfordshire Mind is a local mental health charity dedicated to ensuring that anyone experiencing a mental health problem has access to support. For over 50 years, Oxfordshire Mind has provided services across the county, including housing, crisis support, peer support, and wellbeing activities. The charity offers dedicated services for young people, support in GP practices, and works in partnership with local organisations to challenge stigma and improve mental health across communities.

World Mental Health Day

This event is being held on World Mental Health Day, an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma.