Natasha Devon visits BSU
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Revered pundit Natasha Devon visits BSU
Wednesday, 3 April, 2024Broadcaster and activist, Natasha Devon visited Bath Spa University as part of Children’s Mental Health Week.
Natasha Devon is a pioneering activist and founder of the Mental Health Media Charter – a set of seven simple guidelines for ensuring imagery and language used in mental health reporting is responsible, educational and stigma-reducing.
Natasha’s work has taken her around the world, where she’s delivered talks on conducting research, gender equality, mental health and body image. Her weekly radio show on LBC attracts a dedicated following and she regularly writes for esteemed publications such as The Guardian.
Touring the UK and beyond to present keynotes, masterclasses and training, Natasha’s work has seen her awarded an MBE for services to young people and takes her to three schools a week, where she delivers talks and conducts research on mental health and related issues.
For the last five years, Natasha has visited BSU, hoping to impart her experience, knowledge and values in the world of education to the University’s PGCE students. As the teachers of tomorrow, BSU’s PGCE students benefited from a wealth of training on best practice in the classroom with Natasha sharing her tips on promoting mental health and self-esteem.
Working with experts in psychology and neuroscience to create classroom resources and lesson plans relating to everyday mental health concerns such as exam stress and navigating social media, Natasha’s visit encouraged BSU students to develop their critical thinking skills. Discussing her visit and the knowledge she hoped to impart, Natasha said:
“I hope that the tips I shared, which encompassed managing anxiety, dealing with mental health disclosures and fostering critical thinking skills for social media consumption, were practical, cost and time effective.”
She continued:
“They don’t require a new teacher to go in and completely restructure the way a school operates, but my experience shows they can have a powerful impact when incorporated into lessons and other aspects of school life. I know for a lot of new and trainee teachers the expectation that they will look after pupils’ mental health can feel overwhelming, so I hope I gave them the confidence to believe they can make a difference.”
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