Click the images for a larger poster – Mt Albert above and Waitakere below
Mental Health Awareness Week, in its 16th year, is a national campaign run by the Mental Health Foundation. As a nation we are becoming more aware of the importance of mental wellbeing in our lives.
The 2019 theme is:
Explore your way to wellbeing – Whāia te ara hauora, Whitiora
This week is an opportunity for you to explore the experiences, actions, relationships and surroundings that make you feel good and uplift your wellbeing.
On campus you can engage in a variety of activities to maintain your mental wellbeing and also access support when that healthy balance is under threat. It’s helpful to know about these services for your own use or to help others. Read on to learn about the specific activities being run this week, and the ongoing activities and support available.
Mental Health Awareness Week activities
- Walk for your Mental Health – clear your mind and explore: Special guided walk around campus, 12 – 12.45pm, Thursday 26 September. Meet by the big green umbrellas outside Te Puna. Enjoy nature, explore the sanctuary gardens and Auaunga/Oakley Creek waterfall. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. All welcome
- D
ig In! Explore the campus vege garden, feel the sun on your back: A new vege garden for staff and students alike, 12 – 1pm Wednesday 25 September, between B110 and B111. Gardening tools provided so you can get stuck into digging, or just come and have a look, sit in the sun and chat - Photo competition: visit Unitec’s Facebook page, Instagram or Twitter and upload a photo related to the daily theme and how it supports your mental wellbeing
- The Student Success team is running a series of events (see below posters) for students and staff throughout the week and the counselling team is also running three wellbeing workshops (Waiora Wānanga) for students with a Kaupapa Māori lens
Regular support and opportunities available to support mental wellbeing
- Wellness programme: This popular ongoing programme provides opportunities for physical exercise, a change of scenery, learning new things and meeting different people, all of which contribute to positive mental health. You will find things like pilates, boot camp, yoga, mindfulness, hula dancing and much more! Check out the Nest calendar for weekly times.
- Unitec Chaplaincy and Multi-Faith Service: An inclusive and holistic approach to spirituality. A confidential listening presence and support. Contact our Unitec Chaplain, Ricky Waters, mobile 021 733954 or email Mt Albert – chaplains@unitec.ac.nz; Waitakere – waitakchap@unitec.ac.nz
- Muslim Support Services – Sheikh Rafat Nahm, mobile 021 134 0501 or email R_najm@hotmail.com and the Muslim Prayer room: B158
- Student counselling services: A list of services is available on the Unitec website. The team has Mental Health Advisors who provide confidential support for students at Te Puna – B180, level 0. Phone 815 4321 ext 7248 or 0800 10 85 10 or email counselling@unitec.ac.nz. Info is available on our website for students.
- Staff support service: Staff are also able to access our Employee Assistance Programme which provides a professional and confidential counselling service, paid for by Unitec. Call 0800 327 669 for an appointment.
- Mental Health workshops: These are team-based and focus on removing the negative stigma surrounding mental health illness. A workshop can be arranged for your team on request; please email connect@unitec.ac.nz. The workshops are a series of two and are 2.5 hours each.