University Mental Health Day

On 3 May 2022, University Mental Health Day (UMHD) will be celebrated throughout Australia.

UMHD is an annual national campaign that aims to raise awareness of the mental health and wellbeing needs of those who study and work in higher education settings.

CQUniversity’s theme this year is Connect to Thrive. We’re putting the spotlight on the importance of social connection as a way to reduce the effects of loneliness and isolation. We want to know; how do you thrive in your life through connection?

On 3 May, the Student Counselling and Wellbeing team are hosting a range of events and activities you can get involved in to support you in social situations and with social connection.

1. Get involved with our Facebook Photo Competition, for your chance to win one of two $250 Red Balloon Vouchers.
2. Take part in a fun and relaxed creative event on your campus.
3. Reflect on the importance of connection in your life at our online activity and discussion with Mind Waves Connectors.

Facebook Photo Competition

Share a photo with a caption of how you connect with others for your chance to win one of two $250 Red Balloon Vouchers. This may be represented through an activity that you participate in on your own or with friends and family, or an organisation you belong to in the community. For example, you may send a photo of yourself in nature, with the caption, 'I connect with myself, nature, and friends through bushwalks every week'.

How to enter: 
Send your photo and caption along with your student ID number via message to the CQUni Student News Facebook page between 19 April - 3 May to enter.

Eligibility: 
Current, enrolled students with an Australian Residential address are eligible to enter. Students can upload one photo each day to go in the draw to win the prize for that day. Only one entry per day will be accepted.

Winner Announcement: 
Check out our CQUni Student News Facebook page on 3 May for the live video announcement to see if you are a winner.

Please ensure you read the Terms and Conditions before entering.

Creative workshop event

Join a workshop to create your own fidget toy.
Fidget toys are designed to support with social anxiety and discomfort when in social situations. You may also choose to make a stress ball and/or fidget stick to take home. No experience needed or any artistic abilities.

Materials for the workshop will be provided and instructions will be printed on each table.
Materials for stress ball include balloons, bird seed, funnels and flour. Materials for fidget stick include Craft stick, pipe cleaner, craft beads, and washi tape.

Each campus will have a designated area set up with creative materials, refreshments, music, and staff to provide support for the creative project. A video tutorial will be displayed on loop where technology permits.

Event details

• Cairns - Level 3 – Student Lounge - 10:30 am-12 pm (AEST)
• Brisbane - Level 7 – Student Lounge - 11 am-1 pm (AEST)
• Rockhampton North - Library Lawns - 10:30 am-12 pm (AEST)
• Bundaberg - Outside the Refectory - 10:30 am-12 pm (AEST)
• Melbourne - Student Lounge - 10:30 am-12 pm (AEST)
• Sydney - Basement - Student Lounge - 10:30 am-12 pm (AEST)
• Mackay Ooralea Trade Centre - 10:30 am-12 pm (AEST)
• Mackay Ooralea - Library - 10:30 am-12 pm (AEST)
• Townsville - Foyer Building 2 - 10:30 am-12 pm (AEST)
• Adelaide - The Foyer - 10:30 am-12 pm (AEST)
• Rockhampton City - The Birdcage - 10 am-11am
• Perth - Study Room G.07 - 10:30 am-12 pm (Perth Time)
• Gladstone - STEM Central - 3/G.28 - 10:30 am-12 pm (AEST)

Students who attend and register at the event will be in the running to win one of two (2) Annual Premium Calm App Subscriptions (valued at $79.99 each). Terms and Conditions apply.

These are COVID Safe events, so we ask that you practice social distancing. If are feeling unwell, please stay at home and do not come to campus.

Student Conversation

Mind Waves Connectors will host an online ‘Sip&Chat’ for all students about student mental health with journal prompts via Zoom. International Mind Waves Connectors will host an online ‘Sip&Chat’ for all international students about the unique ways international students can connect and improve their social wellbeing via Zoom.

During this hour, students have the opportunity to explore, reflect and share on the power social connection has in their lives and ways in which they can build more social wellbeing into their daily lives. Students who attend and register during an online session will be in the running to win a Hygge Game. Terms and Conditions apply.

A CQU counsellor will be available to offer support if needed.

Connect via zoom to contribute and learn!

Details:

UMHD Sip & Chat (Domestic Students)
Date: Tuesday, 3 May 2022
Time: 2:00 pm (AEST)
Access: Zoom link

UMHD Sip & Chat (International Students)
Date: Tuesday, 3 May 2022
Time: 2:00 pm (AEST)
Access: Zoom link

Contact Us

If you have any questions or would like to contribute your ideas, please contact wellbeing@cqu.edu.au.