#VitaeChat: Mental health & wellbeing

Stones stacked in a pile

After the success of our Twitter chat in March on the topic of adapting to the new normal for researcher developers, we are planning to host a further #vitaechat to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week (18 -24 May), around the mental health and wellbeing of researchers.

The Twitter chat will take place on Tuesday 19 May, from 12pm until 1pm UK time, and will be focused on the Mental Health Awareness Weeks' theme of 'kindness' and what that means in the academic context. We will touch on topics such as research culture, working relationships, diversity and inclusion, collegiality and empathic leadership.

We will be announcing panellists very soon and we do hope you can join us on Twitter for what is expected to be a lively and engaging conversation.


What is a Twitter chat and how do I participate?

A Twitter chat is a live discussion on a set day and time, usually facilitated by a designated person, around a particular topic. If you have never used Twitter or taken part in a Twitter chat before, there are a lot of helpful guides around (e.g. 10 Commandments for Twitter and Using Twitter in university research, teaching and impact activities)

How do I join in?

  1. Log in to Twitter (you will need a Twitter account) at 12pm (UK time) on Tuesday 19 May 2020
  2. Search for the hashtag #vitaechat on Twitter and select the “Latest” tab
  3. Follow @vitae_news
  4. Our #vitaechat moderator Rachel Cox, Engagement & Policy Project Manager at Vitae, will post a series of discussion questions from @RachelVitae1
  5. Tweet your replies to the discussion questions and add your thoughts around the topic
  6. Don’t forget to add the hashtag #vitaechat to each of your tweets so that it shows up in the discussion stream

Why should I join?

Twitter chats are an open discussion, allowing participants from around the globe to meet and chat in real time around a shared interest. They are often fast-paced and exciting, with lots of different conversations happening simultaneously.

Benefits of joining a Twitter chat include the opportunity to

  • broaden your network outside of your usual circles
  • find out more about a new topic
  • be exposed to different perspectives on a familiar topic
  • offer advice, share your expertise, and contribute to a pool of knowledge.