Psychological health refers to an individual's overall state of mental wellbeing, incorporating emotions, stress, mental illness, sense of belonging, connectedness and life satisfaction.
A number of factors can impact on an individual's psychological health and wellbeing, including their personal relationships, job satisfaction, financial issues, social determinants, environmental factors and family history.
The University offers a range of initiatives to help you maximise your psychological health, both on and off campus. Click on the links for more detail.
- Practical assistance
- Training and information
- Events and groups
- Policies and guidelines
Practical assistance
Free confidential counselling sessions
Available on the Crawley campus (for students and staff) or off campus via PPC Worldwide (staff only).
Low cost individual or group therapy programs
Available through the Robin Winkler Clinic at the School of Psychology. Clients are seen by clinical psychology trainees who are completing a Master of Psychology or Doctorate of Psychology. All trainees are supervised by a Clinical Psychologist. A number of specific group programs are offered at various times, on topics including quitting smoking, weight management and more.
Medical Centre
GPs, and a part-time Mental Health Nurse can provide assistance and referral for staff and students in relation to mental health issues.
Guild Education Officers
Offer academic and financial information, support and advocacy to students.
Equity and Diversity Advisers
An informed and confidential source of advice and assistance to any member of the UWA campus community who has a query or concern regarding an equity or diversity matter.
Workplace Support
The following assistance is available for managers and supervisors:
- Managing work performance of a staff member due to suspected or diagnosed mental health problem.
- Ascertaining "fitness for duty" of a staff member (for example recently diagnosed or returning from a period of leave).
- Managing staff affected by another staff member with a mental health problem.
- General concerns about the mental health and wellbeing of a staff member.
Contacts:
- Safety and Health for issues that may include - developing suitable workplace accommodations, advising managers and supervisors on strategies to support staff members dealing with mental health issues, and supporting and assisting staff who may be returning to the workplace. Phone: (+61 8) 6488 2784
- Employee Relations and Management Services. Phone: (+61 8) 6488 3003
- Equity and Diversity Office. Phone: (+61 8) 6488 3873
Individual staff members experiencing mental health problems can seek assistance with:
- Equity issues – for example, if you are experiencing a mental health problem and feel that you have been discriminated against or harrassed. Contact: Local Equity Adviser. Phone: (+61 8) 6488 3873 or visit the Equity and Diversity website.
- Managing at work or discussing issues with your supervisor or manager. Contact: Manager for Injury Management and Wellbeing. Phone:(+61 8) 6488 2784.
UniAccess
Assistance for any UWA student who has a medical condition or disability that is likely to have an impact on their performance. UniAccess can also provide information and support to staff.
Faculty Advisers
Provide information for students on course arrangements.
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Training and information
Organisational and Staff Development Services
OSDS offers a range of courses throughout the year, including a range of leadership programs and workshops such as:
Mental Health Awareness Training
Learn about common mental health conditions and how to provide assistance and support to others.
Mental Illness in the workplace for managers and supervisors training is now also available to help provide managers with knowledge and practical strategies to effectively respond to mental health issues at work.
Mediation and Conflict Resolution Training for staff is run by Human Resources and the Law School on campus. Offered in both semesters in 2013 (held over 10 weeks).
Equity and diversity workshops for staff and students.
SkillShops
1-2 hour courses for students held throughout the year on a range of topics affecting student wellbeing and academic success.
Fit for Study Program
Aims to provide students with a greater understanding and awareness of mental health issues and provide strategies to create a study-life balance that will contribute towards a more inclusive and non-discriminatory university environment.
PPC Online (staff).
Part of the Employee Assistance Program, the PPC Online site includes web accessible fact sheets, programs and links to external websites.
UWA Extension
Offers programs in topics as broad as languages, writing and communication, food and wine, house and garden, travel, health and wellness, mind body and spirit, and contemporary living.
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Events and groups
UniMentor
Matches first year students with second year or more experienced students in the same faculty.
Staff social club
Various events are held throughout the year, providing UWA employees and their families with the opportunity to meet new people, have fun and socialise outside of working hours.
Language and Cultural Exchange (LACE)
Open to postgraduate students and staff, LACE provides opportunities to meet people from many different countries and cultures. Relax, chat, play games, watch films, socialise - all for free.
Students Passionate About Mental Health (SPAMH)
A group of medical students dedicated to raising awareness about the link between mental health, general health and wellbeing.
Mental Health Week events
Various events are held in October each year.
Befriending program
Connects international and local UWA students through fun activities and meet-ups.
Spiritual life
There are a range of services and groups which support spiritual life at the University including Chaplains, prayer rooms, support groups and events (eg. Quiet Days and Retreats).
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