Mental Health Awareness Week highlights the power of community
Updated Monday 9 June 2025
Mental Health Awareness Week from 12 to 18 May is focused in 2025 on the theme of community. Strong social connections and a supportive community environment are fundamental to mental health and wellbeing – which is something Green Templeton College prides itself on fostering. From the Graduate Common Room (GCR) to staff representatives, the collegiate community endeavours to help everyone to find their place in an inclusive and welcoming environment.
In April 2024, 25% of college staff disclosed a disability, with most conditions relating to mental health, such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, 33% reported living with chronic, long-term conditions. In response, the college established a dedicated Mental Health Working Group and has since trained several Mental Health First Responders to provide effective and timely support.
An often-overlooked group disproportionately impacted by mental health issues are neurodivergent individuals. Green Templeton has proactively implemented updated policies and provided targeted training to better support neurodivergent students and staff, addressing their specific needs through tailored adjustments.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), for example, has been likened to ‘the diabetes of mental health’ due to its significant and widespread impact on social interactions, parenting, educational attainment, employment prospects, and personal safety if left untreated. This common disorder affects approximately 2.5% of adults and is associated with an estimated 12.7-year reduction in life expectancy if left untreated. However, timely and effective treatment can significantly improve symptoms and overall life outcomes, with reduced all-cause mortality after two years.
A new published paper by alumnus of then-Green College and current Governing Body Fellow Dr Laurence Leaver (Clinical Medicine 1988), a general practitioner in Oxford, highlights the complexity of ADHD. He explains how it is often accompanied by additional neurodevelopmental conditions (such as dyslexia or autism) or mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. Substance and alcohol use disorders are also common comorbidities that can significantly worsen mental health outcomes. Laurence’s paper emphasises that recognising and treating ADHD can make it easier to manage these associated conditions.
Resources for students
The College Office provides guidance on disability and welfare-related queries, supported by the Senior Tutor (Disability Lead) and Disability Coordinator (Academic Registrar) and Admissions and Disability Officer (Rebecca Wilson). Peer support and guidance is also offered by the colleges’ Junior Deans and team of Peer Supporters. As part of the team of staff, Green Templeton also provides a nurse on site and the full list of Mental Health First Responders is available at the lodge and on the college intranet. In addition, Student Ambassadors are trained to welcome and support incoming students including putting in place buddy systems for neurodivergent students during College Life Fairs and other events.
In terms of activities, the college has offered subsidised mindfulness courses and provided free Yoga sessions in the past few years. Regular activities run by the GCR and college welfare support teams include welfare brunches, talks, inclusiv-i-tea drop ins – the latest taking place on Wednesday 21 May 2pm to 4pm in the Stables Bar.
These resources and initiatives are integral to the college’s commitment to Widening Opportunity and Participation by ensuring a supportive and inclusive student experience.
About Dr Laurence Leaver
Dr Laurence Leaver developed his interest in adult ADHD after encountering many patients in his general practice and medical students facing challenges due to undiagnosed or untreated ADHD. He advocated for improved ADHD services within the local NHS commissioning group and mental health trust from 2017 and a new specialist clinic was set up in Oxford in 2021. During this period he developed his interest in managing ADHD.
Laurence serves on the executive committee of the UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN), which provides education, support, research, and training for mental health professionals working with ADHD adults. He holds Fellowships from the Royal College of Physicians, the Royal College of General Practitioners, and the Higher Education Academy.
To date, Dr Laurence Leaver has published 29 academic papers, many on ADHD. His latest paper, ‘Medical management of ADHD in adults: part 1’ can be found in the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin. Part 2 is due out next month, accompanied by a podcast where Laurence is interviewed by another GTC alumnus and GP, Dr Julian Treadwell (DPhil Primary Healthcare, 2018) who is NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer, in Bristol.
Update (9 June 2025)
‘Medical management of ADHD in adults: part 2‘ is now available in the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin, focusing on medication recommended for ADHD. The Bulletin also interviewed Dr Laurence on their podcast. The recording is available on the publication’s website.
