BCS Member Groups's video: Mental Health a time for change in the Tech Industry Business Change SG

Synopsis: Mental health is something Andy has been passionate about, and he will talk about mental health in the Tech Industry and how the current climate can be a challenge to professionals regardless of what area in the Tech Industry they work in. Andy will talk about his own experiences of mental health issues he has faced, why mental health is just as vital as physical health in the business world, as well as barriers professionals may face from different backgrounds which may have an adverse effect on their mental health. Andy will also talk about ways professionals can manage their mental health, some steps he has undertaken to learn and promote mental health and wellbeing within the community and work, and how a tragedy has driven him to learn more about mental health and help others who are finding things difficult. About the speaker, Andy Shaw: Andy Shaw focused on a career as a software tester just over 10 years ago, following a redundancy at a huge software giant which turned out to be one of the best things that has happened to him. Andy has also been delivering talks both online and in person on a variety of subjects, including software testing, career development and mental health in tech. He also actively participates and is involved with the BCS, as the editor of the online testing magazine "The Tester" (the official magazine of the BCS Specialist Interest in Software Testing specialist group), as well as the Diversity and Inclusion Officer of the South Yorkshire BCS branch. Outside of his career, tech and the BCS, Andy enjoyed practising martial arts, and is an assistant instructor in Karate, and is also passionate about mental health awareness.