BACKGROUND AND AIMS

In recent times, emerging evidence showed that there is an increasing rate of poor wellbeing in postgraduate researchers (PGRs) which has a substantial impact on life satisfaction and career development. This workshop aimed to equip researchers with wellbeing skills and tools to enable them to reduce stress, improve wellbeing and strengthen healthy performance to mitigate mental illness for better career success.

The goal of WeRe was to conduct an online four day training programme on strategies PGRs in England can use to improve their wellbeing and providing them with the necessary wellbeing skills and tools. The programme also examined whether they enjoy the programme and whether the results could be replicated in other UK nations (Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland).

Between June and July 2025, I delivered a four-day online training programme for researchers in England:

• Session 1 - The primary focus of this session was to welcome and introduce participants, and to assess their current understanding of wellbeing and stress. I utilised Padlet as an interactive tool to foster discussion, which generated valuable feedback at the end of the session.
• Session 2 - The primary focus of this session was a presentation on wellbeing skills and tools—such as wellbeing calendar, pomodoro techniques, sleep hygiene, toolkit for physical health, Eisenhower Matrix for Academicians and so on—that can be used to support and enhance personal wellbeing. I delivered the presentation, followed by small group discussions where participants were invited to share their insights and feedback.
• Session 3 - The primary focus of this session was to deliver a presentation on coaching conversations - that can be used for behavioural change to enhance personal wellbeing. I delivered the presentation, followed by small group activities where participants were invited to apply the GROW model among themselves and we had interesting reflections and discussions afterwards.
• Session 4 - The primary focus of this session was to Practice various wellbeing skills and getting feedback and closing of workshop. I was able to collect some meaningful data during the event, including evaluation feedback on participants' knowledge participant evaluation of the event and impact of the workshop on participants’ (document attached Appendix 1). I also used the WHO-validated instrument on wellbeing to gather additional data, which I intend to incorporate into future publications.

The support of the Mental Health Research (MHR) Incubator has made a significant difference to the development and delivery of this wellbeing workshop programme. Their award enabled the project to be designed with greater confidence.

Having the Incubator’s support strengthened the project’s credibility and visibility, making it easier to engage postgraduate researchers and institutions. It also provided reassurance that the programme contributes meaningfully to sector-wide efforts to improve mental health and wellbeing in research environments. Through this support, I have been able to provide meaningful follow-up activities, including encouraging participants to become wellbeing champions. I also hope to explore opportunities to replicate the workshop across other UK nations and internationally. The MHR Incubator has therefore played an essential role in enabling the project to deepen its impact and develop a sustainable model for future delivery.