Group Activity on Mental Health Awareness

This report discusses a group activity on mental health awareness and its impact on personal development. It covers key skills developed, contributions of team members, and areas of self-development. The event aimed to spread awareness about mental health issues and received positive feedback from participants.

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Module Code and Module Title
Title of Assignment
Module Leader’s Name
Tutor’s Name
Name (Family name underlined)
Student Number
Date of Submission

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Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction............................................................................................................................ 3
2.0 Audit and Evaluation of Key Skills..........................................................................................3
2.1 Key Skills Developed..........................................................................................................3
2.2 Contribution of Self and Other team members...................................................................4
2.3 Examples of experience (Gibbs reflective cycle)................................................................5
2.3.1 Description...................................................................................................................5
2.3.2 Feelings....................................................................................................................... 5
2.3.3 Evaluation.................................................................................................................... 5
2.3.4 Analysis....................................................................................................................... 5
2.3.5 Conclusion...................................................................................................................5
2.3.6 Action Plan..................................................................................................................6
2.4 Qualitative and Quantitative evidence................................................................................6
2.5 Areas of Self Development.................................................................................................7
2.6 Areas of improvement with regards to skill development....................................................7
3.0 Conclusion............................................................................................................................. 8
4.0 Reference List...................................................................................................................... 10
5.0 Appendix.............................................................................................................................. 11
Team Agreement................................................................................................................... 11
Table 1: Personal Development Plan.....................................................................................13
Annotated CV......................................................................................................................... 13

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1.0 Introduction
Off late, universities have started to assess students through activities and tasks conducted by
the virtue of various groups. As a result, the skills related to teamwork have enhanced on part of
such students as far as conducting oneself while in groups are concerned. These kinds of
activities and tasks also help in the development of oneself at the personal level with regard to
the honing and polishing of the required skills accordingly. The main aim of the report is to
present an overview of a group activity at the university based on my personal experience. The
activity is primarily focused on the fund raising event related to the spreading of awareness
concerning mental health issues at various spheres and aspects. Such an event was held at the
cafeteria of the university (Thornicroft, et al., 2015). The contributions of mine and my team
members in the event would be discussed and demonstrated in the report. The aspects related
to further development and progress would also be demonstrated taking account of my own
observations. It would help me to formulate an appropriate Personal Development Plan in a
proper and appropriate manner. Finally, an appropriate conclusion would be provided in order to
summarize the report.
2.0 Audit and Evaluation of Key Skills
2.1 Key Skills Developed
Team Dreamers worked collectively on the topic Mental Health Research UK and conduct a
fund-raising activity to support the Mental Health Awareness program. Our entire team was
committed to support mental health awareness since awareness can help in eliminating the
stigma of mental health conditions among people. The purpose of our group activity was to
develop our skills that would help us in our career growth and overall personality development.
Working as a team maximized opportunities to have a shared vision of our work and develop
and inherent significance of helping people. Personally, I feel this group activity has been an
insightful experience in realizing my abilities and competencies of working within a team and
taking better decisions on various matters. Being a part of the team, helped me develop my
interpersonal skills such as communicating and discussing important matters with regards to the
schedule and budget of the mental awareness program. Each team member had an important
role to play and I tried to contribute as much as I could for the success of the awareness
program.

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According to Ramesh and Ravi (2013), planning is very essential for the successful
implementation of our ideas into action. Collectively, we discussed on matters and planned the
schedule of each step we took before implementing them. I could plan for the fundraising event
along with my team which included activities, resources, budget and venue required. I was able
to communicate my viewpoints and opinions on the stigma around mental health issues which
was supported by teammates. Although I was not a leader of the team, but this helped me to
inculcate the qualities of a good leader by managing certain activities on the fundraising day
such as instructing the team and setting up the campaign in the university campus. I could
enhance my conflict resolution skills which is one of the most important factors in working within
a team. I had disagreements with the team with regards to deciding on the final budget, but we
collectively resolved the issue by reaching to a conclusion. By collaborating with others and plan
for the campaign, I was able to improve my time management skills which according to me must
be present for self-development. It was an excellent opportunity to present myself in a positive
light as well as give my CV a boost, giving a huge advantage to advance my career.
2.2 Contribution of Self and Other team members
First things first, working with a team allows each team member to share the work and allocate
according to each member’s skill set and competencies. Our team consisted of four enthusiastic
people who are committed to undertake the noble task of spreading awareness among people
on mental health and the issues associated with it. In our group, each one of us had their work
allocated and were aware of the steps to follow. All the team members tried to contribute as
much as they could to make the campaign a success. We tried to keep originality in everything
we did starting from giving a thoughtful and original name to the team, printing team t-shirts, and
printing logos for decorating the table. Since it was team work, each one of us contributed in the
planning process, decision-making, and budget planning. My contribution was to decide on the
suitable venue for setting our campaign and preparing the pamphlets that were distributed to the
audience. I along with one of my team members were also responsible for designing the
Christmas cards which were displayed on our table and seemed to be appreciated by everyone.
My other team members prepared a small presentation for the onlookers to make them aware of
the underlying causes of several mental health conditions. We all explained the audience and
interacted with them to gain what they feel about their own mental health. We gained a good
knowledge on mental health issues and were able to address to their questions. The responses
collected were mostly positive and our efforts were appreciated which resulted in boosting the
morale of the team entire team.

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Generally speaking, the team’s efforts helped to establish a strong relationship among all of us
by building trust and creating an environment where everyone felt comfortable putting their
ideas and viewpoints on the table. As opined by Chang, Chuang and Chao (2011), trust and
communication is a key in building a strong team, it was evident from the success of our
awareness program. We supported this cause with a motive of both enlightening people along
with building our skills for our professional development. For my personal development, I
ensured that I am gaining the right knowledge, skills and attitudes that would give a boost to my
career in the future.
2.3 Examples of experience (Gibbs reflective cycle)
2.3.1 Description
I have gained hands on experience in group activities as far as spreading awareness of mental
health is concerned (Link, Phelan and Sullivan, 2017). Such an activity played an extremely
important role in the shaping up of my approach related to apprehensions about mental health.
It has also helped me in the development of skills related to the organization of events in a
planned manner through the implementation of a strategy.
2.3.2 Feelings
I have felt as a result of such an experience that the event has helped me to be more
humanistic in dealing with people who have issues related to mental health. The event has also
led me feel better about myself and of my team members as a result of their immense
contribution towards the event (Schomerus, et al., 2016). Many people were attracted to the
event and made their contribution to the fullest.
2.3.3 Evaluation
Based on my observance, the event has been a success as far as spreading awareness with
reference to mental health is concerned. I have also inferred that such kinds of events would
play a crucial role in the spreading of awareness based on the concerned issues. I have
observed that the event has attracted many people as far as its incredibility is concerned.
2.3.4 Analysis
I have analysed as per the event that the stigmas associated with mental health must be
eliminated at all levels with regard to the addressing of the issues. Welfare programs in the form
of community services would play an extremely important role with regard to the dealing with
people who have mental health issues. It would help in the tackling of mental health problems in
a more amicable manner.

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2.3.5 Conclusion
I have experienced that these events play a vital role in spreading awareness related to mental
health as far as the opposing of the perceptions are concerned. I have also realized that people
with mental health should not be side-lined thereby making them feel despicable by the society.
They should be made to feel they are an integral part of the society.
2.3.6 Action Plan
A Personal Development Plan needs to be outlined by me with regard to the undertaking of the
next course of action as far as the addressing of the issues relating to mental health is
concerned. The Personal Development Plan would facilitate the ease of organizing such kinds
of events in a planned manner in the future as far as spreading awareness related to mental
health is concerned.
2.4 Qualitative and Quantitative evidence
The feedback received from people about the campaign is quite incredible. Each and every
person in the team ‘The Dreamers’ played their roles quite effectively and efficiently thereby
making it a success. In order to attract more and more people, special outfits relating to the
event were designed for the team such as printing logos on t-shirts. Due to the attraction of
more and more people for the event, a massive amount of funds were generated as result of
their generous contributions (Bharadwaj, Pai and Suziedelyte, 2017). In order to make the
event quite attractive, appropriate decorations in the fund collection boxes were made as far as
the displaying of originality of the event is concerned. Snacks and beverages were also made
available by us. The idea of the sale of Christmas cards received appreciation by each and
every one attending the event. We also did our best to make financial contributions as far as
making the event a success is concerned. The wearing of t-shirts with printed logos helped the
event to be more original as far as spreading of awareness related to mental health is
concerned. I had helped my team to my potential with regard to the organizing of the event at its
best thereby resulting in the receipt of appreciations and accolades from people accordingly. It
is imperative that the fundraising event has met its aims and objectives as far as spreading of
awareness related to mental health is concerned (Clement, et al., 2015). As a result, various
apprehensions related to mental health issues were eliminated thereby implying that it is a
problem like any other disease with regard to the physical health of a person. The event has
implied that it is important to understand a person with mental health issues in an amicable
manner based on my learning. As a result, it has performed beyond expectations. The amount
of funds which were targeted to be raised for the event was capped at sixty pounds. However, it

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exceeded the target thereby generating ninety-two pounds thirty six pence for the event. As a
result, it is hereby imperative that such an event must be conducted in order to make people
aware about issues concerning mental health as far as the busting of the myths associated with
mental health are concerned thereby integrating people with mental health issues into the
mainstream society.
2.5 Areas of Self Development
Outlining a Personal Development Plan would help me to focus over the areas and aspects
where I need to improve and work upon in order to ensure that the mistakes of the event should
not be repeated in the future. Such aspects would also help me with the undertaking of a much
more feasible approach with regard to the conducting of events in a much more comprehensive
manner. I would also have to be much more aware about the needs of people with difficulties
associated with mental health. I have to respond in a more amicable manner to people having
mental health issues. Additionally, I have to undertake proper and appropriate steps, measures
and precautions with regard to the welfare of people with problems concerning mental health. It
implies that the Personal Development Plan would be quite helpful regarding the addressing of
the mental health issues prevalent (Sharp, et al., 2015). Furthermore, pamphlets related to the
events along with flyers must be distributed and displayed in a more extensive manner as far as
the attraction of people to such kinds of events are concerned. Liaison with mental health
organizations would also help in the organization of such events in a much more incredible
manner as far as the spreading of awareness with reference to mental health is concerned. The
programs related to mental health must be conducted on campus at regular basis with the
assistance of health professionals associated with the National Health Service. It would help in
the improvements related to the addressing of mental health issues to a massive level. It would
also lead to more and more people being aware of the problems concerning mental health. I
would also incorporate into my Personal Development Plan the avenues concerning the
educative programs for people which would be related to the disciplines concerning mental
health. The problems related to mental health would be addressed by me in a more amicable
manner as inclusive of the Personal Development Plan outlined by me. It would help me to
capitulate and elucidate upon the issues related to mental health in a proper and appropriate
manner. The Personal Development Plan is also projected to help in the generation of more and
more revenues for related events in the future as far as contributions from people are concerned
taking account of their appreciations.

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2.6 Areas of improvement with regards to skill development
Communication skills are perhaps the skill set required to develop when working within a team
(Nancarrow, et. al., 2013). I would not say I lacked communication skills but being a bit introvert
I would like to work more on it. Initially when the team was formed I tried to understand each of
the team members individually in order to build a good relation with them and working together
smoothly. I also felt that my research skills required a brush up. I was clear about the topic but
still require a better understanding on topics such as the organizations working on mental health
conditions and what measures they take to improve the condition on untreated mental
conditions of people. The skill of problem solving and decision making is another one that I need
to work upon. My ability of identifying difficult problems reviewing the related information so as
to evaluate and develop options and implement significant solution can help me in distinguishing
myself from another person. In order to set myself apart, I need to develop and equality of
critical thinking for rationalizing a decision. A person who is able to show or demonstrate his
ability of planning and organizing work is considered to be more valuable than the others. I
would need to work upon such an ability and also pay attention to the different ways I plan my
task and make sure that I keep up with all the deadlines I am provided with. Having the
knowledge of prioritizing particular tasks and leaving apart the lesser important ones is another
important skill that I need to establish within myself. Self-confidence is another vital area that I
need to advance in for excluding a temperament which can convince other people regarding
what I am doing and being sure about the same. A person cannot expect another to believe in
him, if he himself is long will you in his own abilities and skills. I need to be more confident with
myself and make sure that people around me see and recognize me as a person with an ability
of pulling through every situation which comes on my way. Finally, I want to meat to work upon
my creativity and innovation in order to bring about new ideas and concepts in to effect.
3.0 Conclusion
Mental Health awareness is nothing but a physical illness of the brain which changes our
behaviour, thinking, and emotions making it difficult for people to cope with their daily lives.
There have been several researches conducted to uncover the causes of these medical
conditions. We as a team tried to understand the emergence of making people aware of the
mental health conditions and the stigma attached to it among people. It was our humble effort to
do show little efforts towards spreading awareness by way of a campaign in our university
campaign. The entire team cooperated to pull this noble program and made it a success. It also
gave all of us an opportunity to understand our personal skill sets and develop them to build our

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career ahead. In order to excel in my professional and personal life, I focused mostly on few
areas to develop and improve as I move ahead in life. This group activity helped me to learn
about group dynamics and how to be adaptable in any given situation. Working in a team made
me understand the fact that an efficient communication and planning process helps in better
understanding between team members and make the workings smooth.

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4.0 Reference List
Bharadwaj, P., Pai, M.M. and Suziedelyte, A., 2017. Mental health stigma.
Economics
Letters, 159, pp.57-60.
Chang, H.H., Chuang, S.S. and Chao, S.H., 2011. Determinants of cultural adaptation,
communication quality, and trust in virtual teams' performance.
Total Quality
Management, 22(3), pp.305-329.
Clement, S., Schauman, O., Graham, T., Maggioni, F., Evans-Lacko, S., Bezborodovs, N.,
Morgan, C., Rüsch, N., Brown, J.S.L. and Thornicroft, G., 2015. What is the impact of mental
health-related stigma on help-seeking? A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative
studies.
Psychological medicine, 45(1), pp.11-27.
Link, B.G., Phelan, J.C. and Sullivan, G., 2017. Mental and physical health consequences of the
stigma associated with mental illnesses. In
The Oxford Handbook of Stigma, Discrimination,
and Health.
Nancarrow, S.A., Booth, A., Ariss, S., Smith, T., Enderby, P. and Roots, A., 2013. Ten principles
of good interdisciplinary team work.
Human resources for Health, 11(1), p.19.
Ramesh, N. and Ravi, A., 2013. TQM tools and techniques in promoting team working culture in
the manufacturing organisations.
International Journal of Productivity and Quality
Management, 12(4), pp.466-479.
Schomerus, G., Angermeyer, M.C., Baumeister, S.E., Stolzenburg, S., Link, B.G. and Phelan,
J.C., 2016. An online intervention using information on the mental health-mental illness
continuum to reduce stigma.
European Psychiatry, 32, pp.21-27.
Sharp, M.L., Fear, N.T., Rona, R.J., Wessely, S., Greenberg, N., Jones, N. and Goodwin, L.,
2015. Stigma as a barrier to seeking health care among military personnel with mental health
problems.
Epidemiologic reviews, 37(1), pp.144-162.
Thornicroft, G., Mehta, N., Clement, S., Evans-Lacko, S., Doherty, M., Rose, D., Koschorke, M.,
Shidhaye, R., O'Reilly, C. and Henderson, C., 2016. Evidence for effective interventions to
reduce mental-health-related stigma and discrimination.
The Lancet, 387(10023), pp.1123-
1132.

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5.0 Appendix
Team Agreement

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Table 1: Personal Development Plan
Period Skills
1-4 months Teamwork
5-10 months Communication
11-13 months Planning
14-16 months Decision making
17-18 months Time management
Annotated CV
Key competencies- Ability to organize develop and campaign for various kinds of events.
Understand the issues of mental health in a proper and appropriate manner. Ability to resolve
mental health issues of people.
Areas warranting development- Skills related to teamwork, charting out strategies in a planned
manner, communication skills, concluding upon decisions and finishing tasks within the
stipulated time frame.