Managing Mental Health

One in five Australians will directly experience mental illness in their lives. It is clear that many people will experience mental illness in the University community, and many more will be affected by the mental illness of someone close to them.

Mental illness can have a significant impact on the effective participation of people within the University community. The University is committed to providing appropriate support services that enable students to optimise their participation. As part of this commitment the University has initiated several projects and programs that address the needs of students with mental illness and mental health issues.

University Initiatives

• Managing Mental Illness at University Project
• Mental Health Working Group
• Student Mental Health: Training Program for University Staff

Useful Links and Resources

• Managing Mental Illness at University - Guidelines for University Staff
• Staying Sane on Campus Tips and techniques for optimising mental health while studying at university
• Disability Liaison Unit - Staff Handbook
• Disability Liaison Unit - Student Handbook
• Counselling Service
• Working with Students who have a Mental Health Condition Information Sheet

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Managing Mental Illness at University Project

The Managing Mental Illness at University Project was initiated by the DLU to address difficulties in meeting the needs of increasing numbers students with a mental illness requesting support. This project utilised funds made available by the Department of Education, Science and Training's Disability Support Program, Performance Based Funding. The Student Equity and Diversity Committee endorsed the Project Report and Recommendations in August 2006.

To download the report and recommendations which are currently under consideration by the University please click here : DOC : 465KB.

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Mental Health Strategy Working Group (MHSWG)

The Working Group was established in 2007 to advise on the development of a mental health strategy for the University. It reports to Student Equity and Diversity Committee and Staff Equity and Diversity Committee.

The working group arose as a result of a project entitled "Managing Mental Illness on Campus" that was initiated by the Disability Liaison Unit in 2006. A cross University steering group was established to oversee the project. Among the recommendations of the report of the project which was presented to Student Equity and Diversity Committee in September 2006 was that the steering committee continue to meet to oversee the implementation of the report's recommendations. This group, with an informal membership, met monthly into the beginning of 2007 under the name "Mental Health Working Group."

In 2007 the group decided to formalise its membership (seeking nominations from senior University staff), set terms of reference, and focus its activity on the development of a mental health strategy for the University. It changed its name to Mental Health Strategy Working Group.

For further information please visit the Mental Health Strategy Working Group website

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Mental Health Training Program

In conjunction with the implementation of the Melbourne Model, two mental health training coordinators have been employed for twelve months by the University of Melbourne to run a series of tailored training packages for staff through 2008.

This will complement mental health awareness training for staff that has been jointly delivered in recent years by the Disability Liaison Unit and the Counselling Service.

For further information visit the Mental Health Training Program website

Student Mental Health: Training Program for University Staff

Coordinated by the Disability Liaison Unit, and delivered by the DLU and Counselling Service, the Student Mental Health: Training Program for University Staff is targeted at primarily professional staff who have a front line role in working with students. The professional development program consists of an initial 3 hour training covering topics such as What is a Mental Illness, Boundaries, Confidentiality and Legal Obligations. After completion of the initial training, staff are invited to join a group who meet at least once each semester to explore a particular topic related to student mental health. There is a focus on practical take away strategies that can be used to enhance their confidence and abilities in interacting with students and the broader community. This program is on hold in 2008 whilst the Mental Health Training program is operating.

For further information contact Jacquie Robilliard in the DLU
E: j.robilliard@ unimelb.edu.au or T: 8344 7068

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