National Mental Health Month

October is National Mental Health Month, an opportunity to raise awareness and promote better mental health for all.

The theme of National Mental Health Month this year is 'Building resilience: Communities and connections'.

Building resilience

Want to focus on building your resilience? Look at our upcoming EAP courses to help you strengthen your resilience:

• Mental Health Awareness - Thursday 13 October, 1-2pm AEDT
  
• Manage Stress and Build Resilience - Tuesday 18 October, 1-2pm AEDT
  
• Manage Change - Adopt a Growth Mindset - Tuesday 25 October, 1-2pm AEDT

You may also wish to read our other Staff Bulletin article on Building resilience. 

Accessing support

There are a range of resources available at ACU to help you if you feel you are struggling.

ACU support services and resources

• Employee Assistance Program
  
• Campus Ministry
  
• Ally Network
  
• Wellbeing matters
  
• Safety hub - access videos on managing stress
  

Assistance and resources

If urgent professional support is needed, please contact:

• your local doctor
  
• Lifeline or call 13 11 14
  
• Beyond Blue or call 1300 22 4636
  
• Suicide Call Back Service or call 1300 659 467
  
• Soldier On or call Open Arms 1800 011 046 for those who have served in the Australian Defence Forces

Supporting those around you

ACU runs Mental Health First Aid workshops throughout the year, where you can gain accreditation as a mental health first aider.

The course is available to all staff, and you can fill in the Mental Health First Aid expression of interest (EOI) form to register your interest to take part in future workshops.

We also encourage staff to check-in with each other. Supervisors, take some time to chat with your staff about their wellbeing. Staff are also invited to raise any well-being concerns or issues with their supervisor.