{"id":1992,"date":"2019-01-16T08:59:15","date_gmt":"2019-01-16T08:59:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/pgrwellbeing\/?page_id=1992"},"modified":"2025-05-30T16:09:05","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T15:09:05","slug":"newsletters","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/pgrwellbeing\/newsletters\/","title":{"rendered":"PGR consultative forum newsletters"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” fullwidth=”on” next_background_color=”#000000″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ global_module=”322″][et_pb_fullwidth_menu global_parent=”322″ _builder_version=”3.0.106″ menu_id=”7″ submenu_direction=”downwards” fullwidth_menu=”off” background_layout=”dark” module_class=”main-navigation” \/][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” custom_padding=”0px||0px|” custom_css_main_element=”padding-top:0px” module_class=”header-image-section” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row allow_player_pause=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” parallax_1=”off” parallax_method_1=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” use_custom_gutter=”off” make_equal=”off” custom_margin=”||0px|” custom_padding=”||0px|” module_class=”header-image” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/pgrwellbeing\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/98\/2019\/01\/newsletter-BANNER-1.png” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” align=”left” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” force_fullwidth=”off” custom_margin=”0px|||” animation_direction=”left” show_bottom_space=”off” border_color_all=”#ffffff” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” custom_padding=”||0px|” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row allow_player_pause=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” parallax_1=”off” parallax_method_1=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” use_custom_gutter=”off” make_equal=”off” custom_margin=”||0px|” custom_padding=”||0px|” module_class=”breadcrumbs-row” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Breadcrumbs (do not remove)” use_border_color=”off” module_class=”breadcrumbs” custom_css_main_element=”border-bottom: 1px solid #ececed;” module_alignment=”left” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” _builder_version=”3.10.1″]<\/p>\nThe Well Bee-ing Project<\/a><\/span><\/span>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”off” specialty=”on” transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” parallax_1=”off” parallax_method_1=”off” parallax_2=”off” parallax_method_2=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#1d1d1d”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_sidebar admin_label=”Left Nav Sidebar” area=”et_pb_widget_area_1″ module_id=”left-nav-menu” show_border=”off” _builder_version=”3.10.1″ \/][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ specialty_columns=”2″][et_pb_row_inner admin_label=”Row”][et_pb_column_inner type=”4_4″ saved_specialty_column_type=”2_3″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

PGR consultative forum newsletters<\/h1>\n

A key element of the PGR Well Bee-ing Project is co-production, for PGRs at The University of Manchester to participate in activities and to inform practice, so that we can create change together. These PGRs form a consultative forum for the project.<\/p>\n

Please find newletters for the PGR consultative forum below.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_accordion_item _builder_version=”3.17.6″ title=”Newsletter #1 | January 2019″]<\/p>\n

Dear Postgraduate Researchers,<\/p>\n

Welcome to the PGR Well Bee-ing Project\u2019s new quarterly newsletter. The newsletters are a way for the project team to keep in touch with the PGR consultative forum and keep you updated on project news.<\/p>\n

We want this newsletter to be valuable for you so please share your feedback and suggestions. If you would like to unsubcribe from the newsletter just let us know by emailing the team at: pgrwellbeingproject@manchester.ac.uk<\/span><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Newsletter # 1 | January<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

1. PGR wellbeing survey is closed<\/strong><\/p>\n

You should all have received an email this week, inviting you to participate in an online questionnaire for the PGR Well Bee-ing Project. The survey is open to all Postgraduate Research students at the University of Manchester, including those on interruption, distance learners, and those with submission pending.<\/p>\n

The research team would greatly appreciate any support with promoting the survey. We have some recruitment posters printed out and if anyone can think of a good place to put them (PGR populated areas) then please let us know, or contact Rebecca (Research Assistant) at: Rebecca.Crook@manchester.ac.uk<\/a><\/span> if you would like to collect some posters and Blu-Tack from her to put them up where you see fit!<\/p>\n

2. Project information session \u2013 Wednesday 13th February<\/strong><\/p>\n

We are running an information session for PGRs on Wednesday 13th February between 12:00-14:00 in the Atrium, 1st Floor, University Place. The information session is an opportunity for members of the PGR Well Bee-ing Project team to update you on how the project is progressing, and to share information on parts of the project that weren\u2019t covered at the launch event.<\/p>\n

3. PGR activities \u2013 thank you! <\/strong><\/p>\n

Thanks to all those who attended workshops and focus groups at the end of last semester. We received lots of really valuable feedback and information which has and will continue to feed into the project, and help us shape how our work progresses. To keep up to date with upcoming activities you can check the PGR activities<\/a> page.<\/p>\n

4. Podcasts!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Chloe and Rebecca are looking for PGRs who are engaged with the PGR Well Bee-ing Project to take part in a podcast series. The recordings will take place in the Students\u2019 Union and we are open to suggestions for content! Once recorded and edited, the podcasts will be hosted on Sound Cloud and linked to via the project website.<\/p>\n

If this is something you would be interested in getting involved in, or to find out more, please email us at: pgrwellbeingproject@manchester.ac.uk<\/span><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Thanks for taking the time to read the first newsletter. As always, if you have any questions or suggestions please don\u2019t hesitate to get in touch!<\/p>\n

The PGR Well Bee-ing Project team<\/p>\n

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Newsletter # 2 | April, 2019<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Dear Postgraduate Researchers,<\/p>\n

It\u2019s been a busy few months for the PGR Well Bee-ing Project! Below is some information to update you on what we have been up to and links to upcoming events and activities.<\/p>\n

Thanks,<\/p>\n

The PGR Well Bee-ing Project team <\/p>\n

Podcast update<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

We\u2019ve been working hard with PGRs to record episodes of our brand new student-led podcast, \u2018All Bee-ing Well\u2019.<\/p>\n

We will be releasing one episode every month for the next six months. Each episode is based on one of the six ways to wellbeing<\/a>, the universities\u2019 evidenced-based recommendations for improving peoples\u2019 mental health and wellbeing.<\/p>\n

The \u2018connect\u2019 episode has now been released on SoundCloud here: All Bee-ing Well podcast<\/a>, we can\u2019t wait to hear what you think!<\/p>\n

In this episode PGRs Siobhan Crilly and Claire White talk about how their involvement in the Doctoral Academy Graduate Society and in public engagement through their research has helped them to connect with others.<\/p>\n

Peer support workshop: part two <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Coming up on the 10th May 2-4pm we are holding a second peer support workshop in room 2.5 on the second floor of the Students\u2019 Union. At the first workshop PGRs and staff who facilitate or take part in peer support groups shared their experience and reflected on the function of peer support groups in the PGR community. The aim of the second workshop is to recommend ways that PGR peer support networks could be developed at the university, helping to inform the work of the PGR Well Bee-ing Project.<\/p>\n

If you would like to participate in the workshop please email: pgrwellbeingproject@manchester.ac.uk<\/a>. <\/p>\n

PGR wellbeing survey update <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Thank you to everyone who has completed the survey so far, we have had a really positive response rate – over 600 PGRs have now completed the survey and we couldn\u2019t have reached that without your help. It would be fantastic to have even more completions to make sure the survey is as representative as possible.<\/p>\n

1st International Conference on the Mental Health & Wellbeing of Postgraduate Researchers<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

On 17th<\/sup> May the PGR Well Bee-ing Project team are presenting at the 1st International Conference on the Mental Health & Wellbeing of Postgraduate Researchers<\/a>, hosted by UKCGE. The presentation will be focused on student engagement with the PGR Well Bee-ing Project and we will be sharing information on the work that we have been doing over the last six months.<\/p>\n

Involvement in the project \u2013 getting your feedback<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

We would like to invite you to take part in a very short survey to gather your thoughts on how the experience of being involved with the project has been for you so far.<\/p>\n

Wellbeing apps<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

At the end of last year we worked with a group of PGRs to evaluate a number of wellbeing apps, to see which of the apps they thought would be most helpful for other PGRs.<\/p>\n

Access a full list of wellbeing activities on the Counselling and Mental Health Service website: Upcoming counselling events<\/a><\/p>\n

PGR Reps Masterclass: Resilience skills for researchers<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In this workshop you will work with others to generate a meaningful concept of what it means to be resilient in your approach to research. We will explore effective ways of dealing with the challenges you may encounter, highlight the wealth of support on offer and share advice on how to cultivate strong support networks. You will work with fellow researchers to develop strategies for maintaining a healthy working practice which will not only enable you to ‘survive’ but also to ‘thrive’ as a researcher.<\/p>\n

This event will be of interest to PGR Reps, but is open to any PGRs interested in developing their resilience skills.<\/p>\n

Mindfulness for Postgraduate Research<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

This workshop will provide a practical introduction to Mindfulness. You will work with others to learn more about what mindfulness is and how it might be able to help you approach the PhD journey differently. Mindfulness can help to improve concentration, help you get less stuck at times of difficulty, and positively enhance your wellbeing. You will practise applying mindfulness to the day to day challenges of your PhD in order to support your wellbeing and equip you to keep moving forwards.<\/p>\n

Thanks,<\/p>\n

The PGR Wellbeing Project team<\/p>\n

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Newsletter # 3 | September, 2019<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Dear Postgraduate Researchers,<\/p>\n

We hope you\u2019ve had a great summer and that you\u2019ve been able to take some time out from your research to switch off. We are sharing our third newsletter to update you on the work of the PGR Well Bee-ing Project, including activities and contributions from PGRs.<\/p>\n

Thanks,<\/p>\n

The PGR Well Bee-ing Project team<\/p>\n

Wellbeing Survey <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Thank you to everyone who has completed the survey so far, we have had a really positive response rate – over 700 PGRs have completed the survey overall and we couldn\u2019t have reached that without your help.<\/p>\n

Peer Support workshop- initial findings<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

In May we held a workshop with facilitators and participants of peer support at the University of Manchester, with the aim of identifying recommendations to develop peer support for PGRs.<\/p>\n

A key emerging theme from the workshop was the importance of providing support and training to those in a supportive role. Attendees also identified the positive role that peer supporters can play in bringing individuals together to share experiences and provide reassurance. In addition, participants felt that peer support could be beneficial in creating a sense of community, especially during orientation.<\/p>\n

The workshop was extremely valuable, we really appreciate PGRs taking the time to contribute and share their experience and opinions. A complete set of recommendations will be produced from the findings of the workshops and will be presented to the university.<\/p>\n

PGR <\/u><\/strong>Wellbeing Champions Pilot <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

We are running a pilot study of PGR Wellbeing Champions as part of the PGR Well Bee-ing Project. Wellbeing Champions help to promote Manchester\u2019s ‘Six Ways to Wellbeing’, which are evidence based recommendations for improving people\u2019s wellbeing. Wellbeing Champions inspire students to try new positive activities or ideas that fit with their lifestyle.<\/p>\n

Lucy from Biology Medicine and Health, Alisha from Humanities, and Jon from Science and Engineering will be hosting events and activities in September and October. Aiming to connect PGRs and test the Wellbeing Champions scheme for the PGR Community. For more information and keep up to date, follow the PGR Well Bee-ing Project X feed<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Managing the PGR Journey <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Over the summer with have been working with members of the consultative forum to develop resources, to help others navigate through the PGR journey. Resources include recommended articles, workshops and online links to advice and support on issues which may affect wellbeing as a PGR.<\/p>\n

We have also worked to create a series of \u2018talking head\u2019 style videos created by PGRs for PGRs, sharing experiences and thoughts about what can help enhance the journey. Themes include; managing your relationships, developing your academic identity, and making connections. Resources and videos will be launched on the PGR Life Website from mid-September!<\/p>\n

Podcast update<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

We\u2019ve been continuing to work with PGRs to record episodes for our student-led podcast, \u2018All Bee-ing Well\u2019. Each episode is based on one of the six ways to wellbeing<\/a>, the universities\u2019 evidenced-based recommendations for improving peoples\u2019 mental health and wellbeing.<\/p>\n

The latest episode \u2018Be Healthy\u2019 is now available on SoundCloud now: All Bee-ing Well podcast – Be healthy<\/a><\/p>\n

In this episode we spoke to Donna Littlewood, a Postdoctoral Researcher who recently achieved her PhD from the University of Manchester, and Amish Sarpotdar a current PGR in the School of Environment, Education and Development, about how being healthy is important for supporting wellbeing for PGRs.<\/p>\n

Donna and Amish spoke with Rebecca about maintaining habits for feeling healthy, such as: good sleep hygiene, eating healthily, and getting out in the fresh air. They touched on other ways to wellbeing, and how being healthy can help us make better connections as well if we\u2019re feeling well rested and better company!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Newsletter #4 | February 2020<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Dear Postgraduate Researchers<\/p>\n

We hope you have had a good start to the New Year and decade so far! This is our penultimate newsletter to update you on the latest project news, and what we will be working on in the final few months before the project ends.<\/p>\n

Best wishes,<\/p>\n

The PGR Well-Beeing Project Team<\/p>\n

New Team Member<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Our project coordinator Chloe has sadly now left the team, but in December we welcomed our project assistant Lindsay. Lindsay will be working with the rest of the project team until final reporting at the end of April.<\/p>\n

Wellbeing Survey<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Our PGR Wellbeing Survey is now closed! In total 741 PGRs responded to the survey which is a significant proportion of our PGR population here at the University. We\u2019d like to thank you all for your efforts in not only completing the survey, but helping to spread the word and share it with your colleagues. The results will be published in due course and we will share these with you when they are available.<\/p>\n

PG Tips<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

We\u2019d like to say another big thank you to those who gave their time to help out at the Students\u2019 Union event \u2018PG Tips\u2019 in September; a welcome event for new postgraduate taught and research students to chat to current students about PGR life.<\/p>\n

Managing the PGR Journey<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

The resources and videos created for the PGR Life website are now live! <\/p>\n

The resources include links to support, advice and useful workshops for PGRs struggling with wellbeing, with a series of \u2018talking head\u2019 style videos covering themes from \u2018developing your academic identity\u2019, to \u2018managing your relationship with your supervisor\u2019.<\/p>\n

Thank you to all those who contributed to these resources, and particularly those who participated in the videos. We hope that these resources provide useful information for you throughout your PGR programme, and that curating resources in this way helps PGRs identify what support is available.<\/p>\n

Managing the Transition into the PGR Journey<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

In December we held a workshop to help us develop a resource for new PGRs modelled on one for undergraduates to help them with the transition into student life. 18 PGRs from the consultative forum took part to share with us their thoughts on what they wish they had known before starting, and what they had struggled with. The resource will help new PGRs to adjust to life as a PGR at the University of Manchester in particular, as well as everything else that being a PGR entails more generally.<\/p>\n

The resource is currently in production and will be ready to be shared with new PGRs from September 2020, ahead of their registration and arrival at the University. These will be a valuable resource for PGRs at the beginning of their journey.<\/p>\n

PGR Wellbeing Champions<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

In September and October, as part of our PGR Wellbeing Champions pilot, our trial champions Lucy from BMH, Alisha from Humanities and Jon from FSE hosted events for PGRs inspired by the theme of \u2018Connect\u2019. The idea was to trial whether the scheme that is currently in place for undergraduates and staff could be transferrable to PGRs.<\/p>\n

The pilot demonstrated clear value of the scheme for PGRs at the University, and recommendations have been produced for how the current scheme could potentially be better tailored for PGRs as a result of the participant evaluations. Full results will be available soon.<\/p>\n

Thanks again to Lucy, Alisha and Jon for their hard work in organising the events.<\/p>\n

\u2018All Bee-ing Well\u2019 Podcast <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Our podcast series \u2018All Bee-ing Well\u2019 is now complete. You can still listen to the six episodes on each of the Six Ways to Wellbeing on the All Bee-ing Well Podcast<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Thank you to everyone who made a contribution to this over the last year. If you would like to get involved to continue the podcast please do get in touch with your ideas!<\/p>\n

Self-Reflection Wellbeing Check<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

For the last 8 weeks we have trialled the university\u2019s self-reflection tool (available to all staff and students) with six Schools within the three Faculties. The idea is to gain an understanding of whether the tool is helpful to PGRs in monitoring and improving their wellbeing, and whether regular prompts to complete the tool are useful. Two focus groups with PGRs who took part in the trial will take place this month, to ask these questions on suitability and usefulness. The outcomes will inform what kind of self-check for mental wellbeing should be made available to PGRs.<\/p>\n

Event for Dissemination of the Project Findings<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Finally, as part of our dissemination of the project\u2019s final outcomes, we are hosting an event on Wednesday 1st<\/sup> April with the project leads and VP of Research, Professor Colette Fagan, to outline key findings and give you an opportunity to ask questions of the panel. The event is open to all PGRs and details will be released soon to allow you to register to attend.<\/p>\n

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Contact Us<\/h4>\n

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+44 (0) 161 306 6000<\/p>\n

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Find Us<\/h4>\n

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The University of Manchester
Oxford Rd
Manchester
M13 9PL
UK<\/a><\/p>\n

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Connect With Us<\/h4>\n

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