Three-time Olympic champion Max Whitlock OBE to visit campus and talk all things mental health

On Wednesday 17 May, University of Hull Team GB Ambassador Max Whitlock OBE will be appearing on campus and at a lucky local school to share his story with students.

Max will be joined on stage by University of Hull student, Nick Minns, who runs a podcast centred around mental health; Jacquie White, Professor of Nursing and Head of the University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery; and Kelly Robson, Deputy Head of Student Support & Experience and Clinical & Service Delivery Lead for the Mental Health & Wellbeing Team at the University.

Hull student, Nick, has delved into the topic of mental health and his own experiences in his impactful podcast ‘The Beard Podcast’. During the appearance; Nick, Kelly, Max and Professor Jacquie White, will be sharing their stories about overcoming the struggles they have faced, as well as providing advice on how to look after yourself mentally and sharing available support.

The ‘It’s good to talk" about mental health day ties into the University-wide wellness project which is being managed by Tim Purdy, the Wellness and Performance Manager at the University.

Ahead of the day, Tim explains more about the event: “It’s fantastic to welcome Max back on campus again and gain an insight into his experiences with mental health. And we’ll be able to learn about the support tools he has used to overcome and get back on track for the Olympic Games in Paris next summer.

“The event sees us understand how staff, students and the community can access support within the mental health space. We’ll also be looking at what Hull is doing to break down mental health barriers.”

The discussion will begin at 10am in Middleton Hall, with a meet and greet photo opportunity from 12pm. Then, Max will be visiting a local school or college to carry on the topic of mental health.

This event is just one of the opportunities provided to students, at the University and in the wider area, through the University of Hull and Team GB partnership. It’s also inclusive and staff, students, alumni, business partners and the local community are welcome.

To book your free spot at the event, you can secure your place here.

A summary of the six-year-long Team GB partnership so far

The University of Hull and Team GB partnership spans the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games.

As part of this invaluable connection, students have been provided with CV-boosting work experience opportunities, as well as the ability to take part in volunteering, joint research projects and internships with Britain’s most-loved sports brand.

While sports and being active plays a major role in the collaboration, students across multiple departments have had the chance to learn and grow from Team GB members.

One example, out of many, is when the former British Olympic Association’s Head of Marketing, Ed Jones, ran a competition on how Team GB can further engage fans. The winning student created an impressive Olympic-themed app and landed herself a one-to-one discussion with Ed who provided advice on her future marketing career.

Team GB athletes regularly take part in joint events, with the University welcoming many sporting stars to campus including three-time Olympian and Olympic bronze medallist Beth Tweedle MBE, Olympic silver medallist BMX-er Kye Whyte, two-time Olympic hockey medallist Hollie Pearne-Webb MBE and many more.

Read more about the partnership and the benefits it has brought to both the University of Hull and Team GB.