Mental-Health

FAQ – What’s Affecting Students Mental Health

by NewsTips & Tricks

Swinburne Student Union is aware that the outbreak of the coronavirus COVID-19 has impacted students in varying ways. It is understandable that during times like this, people may be feeling worried, anxious and/or overwhelmed by the constantly changing environment that has been brought about due to the spread of the virus. It is clear from our Student Impact Survey that students are concerned about their mental health and the flow on effects that this may have on study, grades and relationships.

 

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED: Issues affecting our students and their mental health

 

I live on campus, but I want to move out – What can I do?

Feeling stressed due to financial hardship? Worried about your on-campus living situation in light of the current Government advice around social distancing? Feeling anxious about being away from family during this time?

Any student who breaks their lease during this time will not be penalised. Contact residences@swin.edu.au to discuss your options surrounding on-campus accommodation.

 

I’m worried that my grades will drop due to COVID-19 – What if I fail a subject?

Swinburne has made the decision that students who fail this semester will not have their fail grades recorded on their academic transcript and any fail grades this semester will not have an impact on your grade point average (GPA).

Please note: you will need to repeat the unit that was failed if it is a core or pre-requisite unit, and you will be charged fees for the unit. More info around enrolment can be found here.

 

I’m suffering financially – Where can I get help?

On top of the Australian Government’s Coronavirus Supplement payment, Swinburne has established their own Student Emergency Fund for students who have been impacted by an emergency, including COVID-19. Eligible students will be able to access a one-off grant of up to $1,000. You can submit your application online. Please note that if you are currently receiving ABSTUDY, Austudy or Youth Allowance you will not be eligible.

 

WHERE TO SEEK HELP

The SSU are acutely aware of how important it is for students to not only be able to manage their mental health, but to also be supported professionally and personally throughout their education. We have put together a list of resources that are currently available in Australia and we encourage anyone experiencing any distress, anxiety, depression or other changes to their mental health to seek out support.

 

What is Mental Health?

If you are unsure about how to define the term mental health, or think you may be experiencing changes in your own mental health, then check out Headspace. They have a whole section dedicated to explaining the different ways in which young people may be affected by mental health, explanations of various disorders, and helpful tools for coping.

 

Managing Mental Health During COVID-19

Lifeline have put together a great list of mental health and wellbeing tips to help you look after yourself and others during these difficult times. Some of our favourite tips include:

Show compassion and kindness to one another

Connect with family and friends

Create a daily routine that includes things you enjoy, and projects that you have been putting off

Limit your news and media exposure

For a full list of handy wellbeing tips, check out their page.

 

Counselling and Services

Beyond Blue is currently building a dedicated COVID-19 Mental Health Support Service. This service will offer free counselling by mental health professionals for all people in Australia 24/7, both online and over the phone. Keep an eye out for this service via their website.

If you’re having concerns over something unrelated to COVID-19, you can also check out this comprehensive list of available support services, with listings for support including mental health, multicultural communities, sexual assault, domestic/family violence and more.

The Victorian Government Health Information site also allows you to search for mental health services located near you, including maps and descriptions of services.

Swinburne University also offers student support through Wellbeing at Swinburne, as well as the Out of Hours Crisis Line – which is available from 4pm – 10am weekdays and 24hours on weekends and public holidays. Call 1300 854 144 or text 0488 884 145 to access this service. For International Students, Swinburne’s International Student Advisers can be reached via email or phone including 24-hour urgent assistance.

 

To find out answers to other Frequently Asked Questions or to ask your own, visit our COVID-19 FAQ page

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FAQ Regarding Renting During Covid-19

by News

Worried about your rights when it comes to renting during Covid-19? We have compiled a list of facts to help you navigate through what is and is not allowed when it comes to renting.

We highly encourage all renting students to check out Consumer Affairs Victoria for a full list of resources that may provide some clarity around your personal situation.

 

What if I can no longer pay my rent?

Contact your landlord/agent as soon as possible and explain your situation. Seek to agree on a possible payment plan, and get it confirmed in writing.

Tenants Victoria have confirmed that as of 29/03/2020, National Cabinet has agreed to a moratorium (a pause) on evictions over the next six months for “commercial and residential tenancies in financial distress who are unable to meet their commitments due to the impact of coronavirus”. They will look to release more details on this when possible.

Due to the changing circumstances surrounding these guidelines, Tenants Victoria are asking people to share how the COVID-19 shutdowns are affecting their renting situation: you can tell them your story here.

 

I’ve lost my job and can’t pay rent, but I’m on a fixed term tenancy.

If you would like to leave the property/cancel your tenancy before your agreement has ended, contact your landlord in the first instance to try and negotiate an early end. If they do not agree, tenants can then apply to VCAT based on financial hardship.

If you are still worried, some non-for-profit groups may be able to help. Some tenants may be eligible for referral to a financial counsellor. Start by contacting the National Debt Helpline to find out more.

 

Can a landlord inspect my house right now?

Agents can still conduct private inspections of residential properties so long as the social distancing rule is adhered to, however if you have conditions that make you exceptionally vulnerable to COVID-19, you can apply to VCAT to make an order that you be “exempted” from certain provisions of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic) such as entry by other people into your rented home.

 

Where can I get help?

For legal advice, search for your local Tenancy Assistance & Advocacy Program

For financial support, check your eligibility for various benefits with Aus Gov Services

For Crisis Accommodation and help if you are being evicted, contact DHHS

If you want to talk to someone about how your rental situation has affected you, the Swinburne Crisis Line is still operational over weekends, and from 5pm – 9am weekdays.

Phone: 1300 854 144

SMS: 0488 884 145

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Update on SSU Services 24.04.2020

by News

In response to COVID-19 and in consultation with Swinburne, we have made the tough decision to close our office and on campus services until further notice. We don’t make this decision lightly and we will continue to work remotely to provide as much support to students as we can ❤

Please stay up to date with us via this website, our members email and our social channels. We are currently working on ways to assist you during this time.

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Update on SSU Services 20.04.2020

by News

As you’re aware Swinburne is currently navigating through a period of change as we shift practice to address Covid-19/Coronavirus concerns and advice.
Classes are on pause until Monday 23rd of March when they will be resuming online (read more about this here).
The Swinburne Student Union wants to continue to support you, and we have been working on ways to assist you during this time. Please see below for an update on our services.

Free Daily Breakfasts

To avoid unnecessary contact points and students gathering, our Free Daily Breakfast in the Hammer & Swine has been changed to a ‘Grab & Go’ option available at the SSU Office (UN Level 4).We will have a rotating range of foods – this week we have fresh pink lady apples, blueberry and banana muffins and muesli bars.

Free Members BBQs

Until further notice, all weekly BBQs will be cancelled. In the interim, we are looking at other ways that we may be able to continue welfare services/make up for the pause in our usual weekly activity, and we will let students know as soon as we start our regular BBQ service again.

SSU Printing Room

The SSU printing room is still in operation, though please note changed opening hours:

Monday – Friday: 10am – 4pm

We will also be enforcing the following health and safety rules:
-Keep your visit to <10 minutes
-Only come to the printing room if you are needing to print (do NOT come up with your friends)
-Do not use the printing room computers for study

New: Emergency Supply Cupboard

With many casual workers being out of jobs and panic buying preventing easy access to grocery supplies, the SSU have decided to open an SSU Emergency Supply for grocery and sanitary items.
The SSU Emergency Supplies is intended for disadvantaged students and will be set up next to the SSU Office (Level 4 UN Building).

Hammer & Swine & Croydon Cafe

Unfortunately, ongoing challenges from COVID-19 mean we are suspending trading of Hammer & Swine and the Croydon Campus Café from the end of this week. Both services will remain closed until at least after the Easter holiday period, with updates provided as available.

Queer & Women’s Spaces

If you are struggling to find a place to study at home, the Women’s and Queer spaces are still open. (Note: We do not recommend more than 10 people at a time in these spaces)

Volunteering

Our volunteers are the driving force behind our regular student services -running our free breakfast service, cooking up a storm at Wednesday BBQ’s and rolling around the library handing out snacks from our Welfare Trolley. Their dedication to providing these services to all students has and will continue to be greatly appreciated.

While on-campus classes and regular services are paused, our Volunteers will not be asked to take on shifts in the same capacity as what has previously been done. As we look at alternate ways for the SSU to continue services to students, volunteers will remain updated on any shift opportunities that become available. SSU is still accepting applications for new volunteers as we continue to provide volunteers with online resources and updates on possible opportunities.

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Coronavirus – Media Release 4th Feb 2020

by News

Full Media Release: Coronavirus Release

 

As a student representative organization, Swinburne Student Union holds considerable concern for the health and wellbeing of any and all students, staff and community members that may be impacted either directly or indirectly from the emergence of the Novel Coronavirus.

Currently, Swinburne Student Union is continuing to consult with Swinburne University management surrounding the university’s existing and emerging response to this situation.

We have received recent advice from Swinburne stating there no plans to delay the start of the teaching semester at this time. Equally, all campus based O-Week and Welcome-Back Week activities are authorised to continue as planned.

We are further advised students can expect direct correspondence from the University regarding any additional potential plans soon.

As new details and actions come to light, SSU intends to continue providing University management with considered feedback and assistance to ensure any negative impacts to the student experience are appropriately understood, considered and mitigated.

Advice from the Health Authorities

On 1 February, the Australian Government announced that no one travelling from mainland China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) would be allowed to enter Australia unless they are Australian citizens, permanent residents or immediate family members (spouses, legal guardians or dependents).

Based on advice from the Australian Government:

  • If a person has travelled to mainland China within the past 14 days, they must isolate themselves for 14 days after leaving mainland China.
  • If a person has been in close contact with a confirmed case of novel coronavirus, they must isolate themselves for 14 days after last contact with the confirmed case.

If you become unwell during this time, call the Swinburne Clinic at (03) 9214 8483, 1300 854 144 (out of hours) or the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services’ hotline on 1800 675 398

To protect yourself and others:

  • Avoid contact with anyone who has a fever or cough
  • Cover your mouth or nose with a tissue or flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing.
  • Frequently cleaning hands is also advised and Swinburne is providing hand sanitiser for reception and common areas across our campuses.

Symptoms include (but are not limited to) fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue and shortness of breath.

 

International Students

Any international Swinburne students currently in China and needing advice can speak to an international student advisor at isa@swin.edu.au.

 

Classes Commencement

The Swinburne Student Union is has reached out for confirmation from Swinburne University regarding any changes in commencement schedule for classes. As of now there has been no communication regarding change of schedule, we will update you as soon as information is received.

 

Respectful Behaviour

The Swinburne Student Union strongly supports inclusivity and being respectful to everyone in the community. Everyone has the right to feel safe and supported on campus, free from discrimination, harassment and assault.

The SSU wants to explicitly condemn any xenophobic behaviour that arises in the wake of this virus and remind any students who require support to reach out to Swinburne’s Safer Communities program at swinburne.edu.au/current-students/student-services-support/personal-safety/ .

 

More information can be found at:

health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov

dhhs.vic.gov.au/novelcoronavirus

who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

 

Param Mahal

SSU President

president@ssu.org.au

 Ailish Murphy-McKay

SSU Communications Officer

comms@ssu.org.au

 

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2018 Pride Celebration

by EventNews
[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]On Wednesday 17th Oct, SSU’s Queer Representative, Jane Owen, was thrilled to take centre stage in Swinburne’s 2018 Pride Celebration and campus march.

 

“It was an absolute honour to represent the queer students of Swinburne in this event. To meet Morgan (Morgan Carpenter, the Event’s Keynote speaker) who is a wonderful champion for the rights of intersex and diverse communities, and to speak with Linda (Linda Kristjanson, Swinburne’s Vice-Chancellor) and Jane (Jane Ward Swinburne’s Vice-President Engagement) about the experience of Swinburne’s queer students was quite an opportunity and a thrill.”

 

As well as discussing the experience of Swinburne’s LGBTIQ student community with Swinburne leaders, Jane also had the honour of helping lead the Pride procession throughout campus.

 

“It’s really important to show up and participate in these events. They say up to 80% of all LGBTIQ bullying happens in education settings. So to be here, leading a march through campus, to celebrate Pride is so important.”

 

After the march, all guests and friends were invited back to the SSU’s on-campus bar, the Hammer & Swine, for a Pride after party which also included the public creation of a rainbow banner of handprints symbolising Pride at Swinburne. The banner itself will now be displayed within the Queer Space.

 

Swinburne Student Union’s Queer officer, the Swinburne Queer Collective and the Swinburne Queer Space are available to help any LGBTIQ students and allies of LGBTIQ students seeking support, advice or simply to connect and get involved in campus life.

queer@ssu.org.au

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Anti-Poverty Week Information

by News

Have a look at some of the alarming data on the state of student finances, which is followed by practical advice and tips on knowing your rights and how to maintain them.

View Information Slides Here: Anti Poverty Week

 

Key content:

The State of University Student Finances (Slide 5 – 46)

  • Research Context
  • Family-dependent vs. financially-independent
  • Employment affect
  • Experience by cohort

 

Legal Issues for Students (Slides 47-73)

  • Centrelink
  • Infringements & Fines
  • Tenancy Issues

 

Financial Advice and Support for University Students (Slides 74-80)

  • National Debt Helpline
  • Centrelink Debts
  • HECS-HELP Debts

 

Make Renting Fair (Slides 81-89)

  • Tenants Victoria Services
  • Residential Tenancies Act Legislative change (Vic)

 

Working? know your rights – Information for Students (Slides 90-99)

  • Wage theft in Australia
  • Minimum Conditions
  • Getting what you are owed

Corruption

2019 Student Services and Amenities Fee Funding Application

by News

Placing student success at the heart of Swinburne

Over the past six months Swinburne Student Union has been actively researching, planning, and consulting members to develop the attached 2019 SSAF Funding Application.

This funding application aims to secure SSU’s portion of the 2019 Student Services and Amenities Fee, to help maintain our ongoing provision of student services and activities in 2019.

As SSU’s President, Mr Sam Roberts, explains “2018 has and will continue to be a massive year for the Union. As an example, this year alone we’ve provided over 6500 free breakfasts, over 3000 Welfare on Wheels support packs and academic supplies for over 5000 students via our Exam Help Stall.”

“In 2019 we want to increase the value of our services through expanding welfare on wheels to a weekly event, by providing more social events and clubs based support packages through the Hammer & Swine, and through improving our advocacy of student interests within official Swinburne committees and forums.”

As identified within the Funding Application, SSU is seeking to increase its share of the total SSAF fund to $585,230 in 2019, or approximately 10% of the total annual SSAF collected.

“In the scheme of things SSU does an amazing amount with the trickle of SSAF funding we actually receive. Other Victorian Student Unions get between 25-50% of the total SSAF revenue, whereas this year we’ve only received about 9%. Yet many of these other Unions still look with envy at the amount of services SSU manages to deliver. Imagine what we could do if we were properly funded.”

It should also be noted that the portion of SSAF funding SSU receives equates to less than 50% of its total annual revenue; meaning SSU also generates its own income to help ‘grow the pie’ of student support services at Swinburne.

Please take the time to review the attached application and please feel free to share your feedback, or to let Swinburne know you support SSU receiving 10% in 2019.

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5 Ways to Enjoy the Tesselaar Tulip Festival as a Student

by FunniesNews

We have 5 fantastic ways to enjoy an adventure in a wonderland of spring flowers at the 2018 Tesselaar Tulip Festival .Held in Melbourne’s magical Dandenong Ranges from September 15 – October 14, 2018, there’s still a few weeks to catch the blooms!

Date idea

If you’re trying to impress that special girl / guy in your life, you can’t really go wrong bringing them to a field of flowers. At $28 a ticket it’s cheaper than a bunch of flowers and it’s also the perfect place to get that facebook official photo.

Not convinced? Have a look at this cute couple featured on the Tesselaar Tulip Festival Facebook Page earlier this week:

‘Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Yael. Yael and her family loved the tulips at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival and they visited many times. Then one day, when Yael was much older, she met Simon. And Simon loved tulips too. So for their first date, way back in 2003, they came to the Tulip Festival. Yael and Simon were married. And soon enough, on June 29 this year, they had a beautiful baby girl. And guess what they called her? Yes, you guessed it! Tulip. ? ? ? A huge thank you to Yael and Simon for visiting yesterday and introducing us to Baby Tulip. We look forward to many more family photos of you all at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival.’

Take your mum

Remember your mum? You know, the woman who gave you life, thousands of meals, clothes for your back and a good education? Pay her back for all that by taking her to the tulip festival! It’s a fun bonding activity that doesn’t involve the pokies or fixing her computer.

Photographers dream location

Photography students, deep artists and wannabe Instagram models this is the place for you! With as many photo-ops as there are tulips, you’ll be there all day. The only thing that gets more likes than colourful flowers is a cute dog and colourful flowers, which brings us to our next point…

Dog spotting

Dog spotting isn’t just an insanely popular facebook group, it’s also a real life hobby / serious lifestyle. Kind of like bird watching but with puppers instead of pigeons, the Tulip Festival is a prime spot for dog watching. Better yet, bring your own four legged friend and do a photoshoot in the flowers.

Get your Irish on

I think we can all agree that one St Patrick’s day a year just isn’t enough. Get into the Irish Spirit this weekend  (Friday 5th – Sunday 7th) by enjoying some Guinness and watching some Irish dancing, then frolic through the flowers while Irish pipers play.

 

 

 

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Living below the poverty line? You’re not alone.

by News

According to a University’s Australia study, two out of three Australian students are living below the poverty line. It’s hardly surprising, with part-time jobs hard to find, utility bills rising rapidly, and hefty increases in rent. Research has also shown that 42% of people under the age of 24 have between $10,000 and $30,000 of personal debt, not including a mortgage.

Students are constantly juggling bills, from buying food to paying rent, the electricity and phone bills and public transport to and from uni, to name just a few. If you are feeling overwhelmed, help is at hand to get you back on track.

 

Nation Debt Helpline Website

This easy to navigate site discusses how to tackle common financial problems. It has comprehensive step-by-step guides on how to work out which debts are priorities; how to contact the hardship team of utility providers to ask for a variation of your payments; how to work out a payment plan that is affordable and sustainable; and how to lodge a dispute with the ombudsman if the provider won’t accept your offer of a payment plan. The website also discusses the risks of using credit and offers handy hints and tips. Using the site ensures you can maintain your privacy about your finances.

It is also important that you know your rights, which include, for example, that telcos, utility companies and credit providers are obliged to provide reasonable assistance to people who are in financial hardship.

 

National Debt Helpline

If you need further support, you can call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 to speak to a financial counsellor. Financial counsellors provide free, neutral and independent advice on your options for tackling debts. It is important to remember that financial counsellors are required to act in your best interests.

Numerous for-profit companies aggressively market their services online and through social media and claim they can help you better manage your budget. And the advertising is seductive. But there are consequences of signing up to such services, including often very high fees. Financial counsellors can explain in detail the pros and cons of all your options.

 

National Debt Helpline: ndh.org.au; 1800 007 007

Elizabeth Minter, Communications Manager, Financial Counselling Australia