Fitz welcomes its first Wellbeing Coordinator to support the College community
Fitzwilliam is pleased to announce that it has appointed Claire Thompson as Wellbeing Coordinator to support students, staff and Fellows. The newly created role of Wellbeing Coordinator is part of Fitzwilliam’s ongoing commitment to support the mental wellbeing of all members of the College community.
Claire will start her role in September. She is tasked with promoting the wellbeing of all students, staff members, Fellows and Bye-Fellows of the College.
Claire will provide advice and support for individual students and those working with them (including among others Tutors, tutorial staff, porters, Chaplain, student representatives), and liaise with the College Counsellor and University Counselling service, College Nurse and NHS provision.
She will also oversee the strategic planning and implementation of wellbeing-focused activities, structured support and training programmes - in the context of a developing a network of wellbeing leads across the collegiate university.
She joins the College community from the NHS, where she has worked as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, alongside her work as a Nature-based mindfulness workshop facilitator.
Claire graduated in 2008 with a B.A. in Natural Sciences, Zoology from Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge, and went on to work in conservation with the World Land Trust and BirdLife International. She is the author of Mindfulness and the Natural World, as well as The Art of Mindful Birdwatching.
“I believe that working together to support our wellbeing and mental health is vital for any community to flourish and reach its greatest potential," Claire said. "In this context, I'm really looking forward to joining Fitzwilliam and to working alongside the pastoral team to support students and staff - and champion the importance of wellbeing in the college.”
Rod Cantrill, Bursar said: “I am delighted to welcome Claire, who will be working collaboratively with others across the College to make sure we have comprehensive wellbeing support in place for all members of the College community. In order for us to work effectively to support all areas of life in College, we need to ensure all members of the community are supported to fulfil their potential.”
Paul Chirico, Senior Tutor, said: “I’m very excited that Claire is joining Fitzwilliam; she will bring a new dimension to the College community, enhancing our pastoral provision and offering guidance and reflective backup as we work to support each other.”
