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How to get involved in Mental Health Month
Prioritise your wellbeing this October
In recognition of Mental Health Month and this year's theme, 'Let's Talk About It', we've compiled a list of wellbeing events you can get involved in this month, as well as resources and services you can access year round to support your wellbeing.
Mental Health Month is celebrated each year in the month of October in New South Wales. This year's theme, 'Let's Talk About It', prompts us all to reflect on our mental health and overall wellbeing, and encourage us to not shy away from difficult conversations about mental health.
Mental Health Month also reminds us of the importance of maintaining good mental health in our daily lives, irrespective of whether we've experienced mental illness, and encourages a proactive approach to connecting with support services when necessary.
To celebrate Mental Health Month, we're hosting several wellbeing events and activities across our campuses to help you connect with your peers and University staff.
Read on to find out what's on during October, as well as how to access health and wellbeing support year round.
Pet playful pups, get creative and connect with your peers
| Event | Location | Date & Time |
|---|---|---|
| Therapy dogs | Cadigal Green | Tuesday 8 October, 12:30–2 pm |
| Student wellbeing session | Law School | Monday 14 October, 1–2 pm |
| Therapy dogs | Concord – Concord Medical Education Building | Wednesday 16 October, 10:30 am–12 pm |
| Non-alcoholic paint and sip with PhyscSoc | The Bevery Room at Courtyard Restaurant & Bar | Friday 18 October, 3–5 pm |
| Therapy dogs | Nepean Clinical School | Thursday 17 October, 11:30 am–1 pm |
| Creative Connections | Jane Foss Russell Building, Level 5, Room 514-516 | Thursday 24 October, 11 am–12 pm Tuesday 29 October, 3–4 pm |
| International student connection session | Jane Foss Russell Building, Level 5, Room 514-516 | Friday 25 October, 2:30–3:30 pm |
| Therapy dogs | Abercrombie Building | Monday 28, Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 October |
| R U OK? Day x KitKat: Study Break Convoy | Eastern Avenue, New Law Lawns | Thursday 31 October, 10 am–3 pm |
| The Faculty's got your back | Carslaw East Learning Hub | Thursday 31 October, 11 am–2 pm |
Nourish your body (and mind)
| Event | Location | Date & Time |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee vouchers and colouring mandalas | Broken Hill, Mildura and Bourke | From Thursday 10 October |
| Coffee cart and muffins | Grafton Base Hospital | Tuesday 15 October, 8 am–11 am |
| Coffee cart and muffins | Maclean District Hospital | Wednesday 16 October, 8 am–11 am |
| Coffee cart | Concord – Concord Medical Education Building | Wednesday 16 October, 8:30 am–11:30 am |
| Coffee cart | Nepean Clincial School | Thursday 17 October, 9 am–12 pm |
| Random Acts of Kindness Society (RAKSOC) Smoothie giveaway | Fisher Library and the Conservatorium of Music | Monday 21 October, 10 am–1 pm |
| Coffee vouchers | Northern Sydney (Arabanoo) – Kolling Building | Tuesday 22 October, 10 am–2 pm |
| Coffee cart and muffins | Northern Rivers – University Centre for Rural Health (Lismore) | Wednesday 23 October, 8 am–11 am |
| Healthy snacks | Abercrombie Building | Monday 28, Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 October |
| Coffee cart | Western Sydney (Baludarri) | Thursday 31 October, 9 am–12 pm |
| BBQ lunch with salads | Dubbo and Orange – School of Rural Health | Thursday 31 October, 11 am–1 pm |
| Coffee and croissant | Camden – Faculty of Science | Wednesday 11 November, 9 am–2 pm |
Relax and recharge
| Event | Location | Date & Time |
|---|---|---|
| Guided relaxation | Jane Foss Russell Building, Level 5, Room 514-516 | Thursday 17 October, 10:30 am–11:30 am |
| Seated massage | Northern Sydney (Arabanoo) – Kolling Building | Tuesday 22 October, 10 am–2 pm |
| Self-care 101 | Jane Foss Russell Building, Level 5, Room 514-516 | Thursday 24 October, 10 am–11 am |
| Seated massage | Western Sydney (Baludarri) | Thursday 31 October, 9 am–1 pm |
| Seated massage | Main atrium of the Conservatorium of Music Book your massage using the following details: Username: music |
Tuesday 29 October, 10 am–2 pm Wednesday 30 October, 10 am–1 pm Thursday 31 October, 10 am–1 pm |
| Mini massages | Abercrombie Building | Monday 28, Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 October |
Help is always available to you
From the University
- Student Wellbeing offers a range of confidential and free health, wellbeing, and personal supports. The team also offers an after hours mental wellbeing support line: 1300 474 065.
- Safer Communities Office are specialist staff experienced in providing an immediate response to people that have experienced sexual misconduct, domestic/family violence, bullying/harassment and issues relating to modern slavery.
- TalkCampus is a 24/7 peer-support social network designed to improve mental wellbeing by offering a safe space for students around the world to share their struggles and support one another anonymously.
- Sonder, available to international students, is a smartphone app designed to give you 24/7 access to wellbeing and safety professionals and resources, all at the touch of a button.
- Peer Support Advisors (PSA) are current University of Sydney students trained to assist you with a range of academic and wellbeing enquiries.
Additional support services and resources
- WayAhead
- Beyond Blue
- Black Dog Institute
- Headspace
- Head to Health
- Lifeline or call 13 11 14 (24 hours)
- R U OK?
- This Way Up
8 October 2024