This year’s Research Staff Excellence Awards saw a number of FBMH researchers commended for their impressive work in their respective fields. One award-winner, however, was nominated for their work in an entirely different subject area – Social Responsibility.  

Although her main role is as a mental health research associate with the Manchester Self-Harm Project, Harriet Bickley received an award for Outstanding Contribution to Social Responsibility. The award was in recognition of her tireless efforts towards improving Environmental Sustainability action and awareness across the University. 

Keep reading to find out how Harriet has contributed to sustainable endeavours across the Faculty: 

Easy Eco For All 

Since 2019, Harriet has single-handedly put together the Easy Eco For All booklet, which offers a fantastic range of accessible and straight-forward guidance on eco-friendly living in and around Manchester. 

From recycling tips to sustainable travel advice, the booklet is full of up-to-date information to help you live a greener lifestyle both on and off campus. Whether you’re a student or staff member, have just arrived in Manchester or have called the city home for decades, there’s sure to be something useful to discover.  

The booklet is purely a passion project for Harriet, as are all her other ES initiatives. She credits her parents for instilling in her resourcefulness and a good moral compass.  

Having confessed to being ‘indoctrinated’ by the Wombles’ environmental message from an early age, Harriet says her motivation for the guide is to ‘make it as easy as possible for people to adopt eco-friendly behaviours’ in their everyday lives. 

Environmental Sustainability (ES) Welcome Week Stall 

Harriet has co-led the School of Health Sciences’ ES Welcome Week stall for the past four years. She has helped to brighten up hundreds of first-year bedrooms and kitchens by giving away free houseplants, herb pots, and second-hand stationery to incoming students. 

Harriet was also invited to give a presentation at Manchester Metropolitan University’s ES Symposium earlier this year, where she offered advice to colleagues on running successful Sustainability pop-ups. 

Trees for Life Stall at UoM Community Festival 2024 

Harriet’s ‘Trees for Life’ project was a hit at the University’s Bicentenary Festival this summer, where she and co-creator Dr Sally Freeman gave away tree seeds and saplings and led fun activities, such as creating origami plant pots. The stall also made an appearance at the FBMH Sustainability Showcase and the MED Biodiversity social afternoon.  

Off-Campus Volunteering 

Harriet has been a keen volunteer at the Parrs Wood Environmental Centre for over a decade, helping the Centre to increase public engagement and playing an important role in their wildlife initiatives.  

Harriet’s work stands out as an incredible individual contribution to Environmental Sustainability at the University and beyond. Congratulations Harriet! 

Download the Eco Easy For All booklet. 

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