Liz Haddon, Senior Lecturer, School of Arts and Creative Technologies
Liz is Senior Lecturer in Music (School of Arts and Creative Technologies) where she established the MA Music Education: Instrumental and Vocal Teaching.
She’s now moved on from this to lead the undergraduate Instrumental Music Education module, and she holds leadership roles including co-chair of EDI.
Liz is a mental health first aider and is currently completing a coaching qualification with the university. Her research focuses on music pedagogy, and has explored student well being and the role of the academic supervisor in higher music education.
email: liz.haddon@york.ac.uk
Our 60-second interview with Liz:
Could you please tell us what work you do in the field of mental health?
As EDI co-chair and a supervisor much of my role involves mental health, signposting, supporting, and most of all, listening. I’m currently working on a collaborative research project with colleagues on wellbeing in HE.
What do you find most rewarding and inspiring in this work?
Hearing other people express their feelings and seeing their courage and potential change can be very inspiring. In the research project, learning from others!
What is the most challenging or complicated aspect of this work?
Helping others suspend critical self-judgement, and, as in research, working through complex ideas and problems, and creating moments where change can happen!
What impact do you hope your work is having - or can potentially have?
Creating understanding, which can lead to new insights and further momentum to explore ideas/feelings/beliefs/situations/research challenges.
Could you share with us one piece of advice that you follow for your own mental health?
Getting out into the garden and being in nature is very restorative!