Source: University of Otago
The event was hosted in The Link at the Dunedin campus and saw hundreds of students taking part of activities
‘At Your Service’ was a new opportunity for students to take time to focus on the importance of mental health. As part of Tertiary Mental Health Day the event was created to inform students on services which support mental wellbeing while studying.
Melanie Piri a Student Engagement Coordinator from Te Whare Tāwharau was a main organiser for the event.
“We used to run the Student Village but unfortunately that was unable to happen during Orientation Week this year. Instead, we have made the most of an international date and created a new event called At Your Service.”
Earlier this month the event was hosted in The Link at the Dunedin campus and saw hundreds of students taking part of activities set up by Te Whare Tāwharau, Social Impact Studio, Unipol, Student Health and others.
“We hosted a game of beerless-pong which was good fun. There were furry friends for cuddling, mindfulness activities and a smoothie station. The focus was to get students engaging with the many services that are here to help them and to open up a conversation about emotional wellbeing.”
“This event is important- we don’t want students to feel like they are on their own. There is an amazing community around them that so many of them don’t know they have access to.”
Masters of Social Work student Rachel Fisken was one of the many student volunteers for the event and says it’s an important cause for many students.
“It’s an awesome event to be involved in. There is a lot of support for students on campus and it takes a while to figure out who they all are so this event will help make students more aware.”
Alongside Rachel is Bachelor of Art and Science student Georgia King who offers her time volunteering with Te Whare Tāwharau.
“I am incredibly passionate about the issue of sexual violence, so it’s wonderful to be able to use my passion to connect with and support other University students.”
Te Whare Tāwharau’s role at the University is providing sexual violence support and prevention. Students can drop by for support with incidents of sexual violence both recent and historic and talk to peer volunteers and trained social workers.
Other services involved:
