CQUniversity celebrates uniqueness for University Mental Health Day

CQUniversity staff and students came together this week for University Mental Health Day (4 May) to raise awareness of the mental health and well-being needs of those who study and work in higher education settings.

Campuses across the CQUniversity footprint hosted a range of events and activities in collaboration with CQUni's Student Counselling and Wellbeing team and the Occupational Health and Safety team designed to educate and inspire conversations surrounding mental health.

Given the events of the past year and ongoing challenges' CQUni Chief Wellbeing Officer Dr Bethany Mackay said taking the opportunity to connect with colleagues and students has never been more important.

"This year we wanted to put the spotlight on individuality and celebrate the power of diversity with our theme You Are Uniquely You'" she said.

"We embraced the opportunity to continue important conversations about mental health and to take time to consider how individuality contributes meaningfully to the people we interact with and the work we do."

She explained that University Mental Health Day was only one aspect of CQUniversity's agenda in making mental health a university-wide priority and create ongoing' year-round change.

"Here at CQU' we are committed to developing and implementing mental health strategies that promote student and staff mental health and wellbeing and provides a positive educational and workplace experience via a healthy' resilient' inclusive' compassionate and connected University community."

See our website for information about Mind Waves' CQU's Mental Health Strategy.

Seek support if you or someone you know needs help.

Staff Support: Contact our EAP provider' Benester on 1300 360 364 to book a confidential appointment. More details on staffnet.

Student Support: Refer a student you are concerned about to Student Counselling via phone 07 49309567 (Monday to Friday' 8:30am - 4pm AEST) or email counselling@cqu.edu.au.Be sure you ask their permission before referring directly.

National Support Services:

• Lifeline 24 Hour Crisis Line: 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
• 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732
• Women's Crisis Line: 1800 811 811
• Mensline Australia: 1300 789 978
• Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636
• Headspace: 1800 650 890
• SANE Australia: 1800 187 263