This session by the media mental health organisation is for newsroom managers who are members of the NUJ. The news industry is a fast-paced, hard-working environment where journalists’ mental health can slip under the radar. Managers, too, need self-care and juggling pressures. Part of the training will include self-care tips, boundary setting and leading by example. There is a special NUJ session on Friday 27 January, but members can attend on other dates up to March 3.
You will need to go to this Google Meet link to join: meet.google.com/iwf-rxki-cuu?
Any queries email info@headlines network.com
The Headlines Network, an organisation set up to promote more open conversations about mental health in the media industry.
Between now and the end of March, its is offering a limited number of free short interactive workshops for news managers and leaders to share experiences, learn tips and build skills to have much-needed conversations. Run with Sarah Ward-Lilley, former Managing Editor of BBC News, the workshops will introduce you to peers across the media industry, offering you the time and tools to better support your colleagues and yourselves.
Why it’s important
It’s never been more challenging to be a newsroom leader. The pace of news events never slows, budgets are tight, headcounts are under pressure – and the needs of news audiences and users continue to evolve, requiring constant innovation and change.
Some 1 in 6 people in the UK have experienced mental health issues. Many employers want to do more to support their teams but say they lack training and are nervous of doing it wrong. Headlines Network is responding to this by offering a series of bespoke workshops, specifically to advise and guide leaders working in news, to share some tools and tips and to build confidence.
When is the training?
We are offering virtual workshops, specifically for newsroom managers, editors and team leaders – starting on 17 January 2023 and running at least once a week until March. These workshops will be two hours in length.
NUJ session
There will be a special NUJ session on Friday 27 January.
The sessions will take place at 1000 GMT, on Fridays and Tuesdays.
See below for the other dates. Reserve your place: meet.google.com/iwf-rxki-cuu?
Workshop Dates
1. Tuesday January 17,
2. Friday January 20
3. Friday January 27
4. Friday February 3
5. Friday February 10
6. Tuesday February 14
7. Friday February 17
8. Friday February 24
9. Tuesday February 28
10. Friday March 3
Joining instructions from Headlines
We are looking forward to you joining this workshop on mental health training for newsroom managers. Your session will take place between 1000-1200 on Friday, January 27. You will need to go to this Google Meet link to join: https://meet.google.com/iwf-rxki-cuu?
Here is some more information about what to expect at the session.
What is Headlines Network?
Headlines Network is an organisation set up to promote more open conversations about mental health in the media industry. Run by journalists Hannah Storm and John Crowley, we work with experts in mental health and leadership to provide tips, training and spaces to talk. For this particular workshop, we are delighted that Sarah Ward-Lilley, a former managing editor of BBC News, will be joining us.
Why is it important for managers to think of their own mental as well as that of colleagues?
It’s incredibly challenging to be a newsroom leader. The pace of news events rarely slows, budgets are tight, headcounts are under pressure – and the needs of news audiences and users continue to evolve, requiring constant innovation and change.
Across the UK, some 1 in 6 people have experienced mental health issues. Many employers want to do more to support their teams but say they lack training and are nervous about what steps to take. Headlines Network is responding to this by offering these free, bespoke workshops. They are designed to advise and support managers working in news to share tips and to build confidence. This can apply to a leader running a newsroom or someone with a single direct report.
Crucially, we are here to support journalists in managerial roles with their own mental health as well.
Do I need to do any prep for the workshop?
We’re keen for you to talk openly with us and with your colleagues in the session, sharing issues and insights.
During the workshop, we’ll be inviting you to try out some conversations in small groups.
So, in advance of this, please consider the four scenario examples below and have a think about how you might address the issues and any challenges you might face?
Issue: Anxiety
Story: A team member is facing financial challenges and is insisting on being allowed to work full time from home to alleviate the cost of commuting. They are displaying anger and impatience at work, being disruptive and lacking boundaries. They’re too afraid of stigma of mental health to get help.
Issue: Depression (trigger warning: suicide)
Story: A team member Is struggling with the impact of the death by suicide of a former colleague -someone they used to work with in a different team. They feel guilty that they did not prevent the suicide happening. The individual has been absent from work, not responding to calls and emails.
Issue: Moral Injury
Story: A team member has a personal connection with being displaced and is struggling with vicarious trauma related to coverage of Ukraine. They feel powerless. They have recently become very quiet and passive in meetings, both in person and virtually, seeming disengaged.
Issue: Burnout
Story: The individual is exhausted and unable to manage work and home commitments. Their performance and engagement at work has dipped. They’re using alcohol to cope with lack of sleep, fidgeting all the time, constantly checking the phone.
We will be inviting you to share only experiences and insights that you feel comfortable with. We also require you not to share any private information received beyond this workshop.
The presenters will also be sharing insights and solutions they have gained from their experiences in journalism.
We look forward you to taking part in this session. We hope you’ll enjoy it and find it useful. Thank you, The Headlines Network team.
