FUTURE STUDENTS
Campus Care Program
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Early intervention for those at risk***
UNSW Counselling Service encourages and promotes early support in relation to students and other members of the UNSW community who may be experiencing personal distress or trauma.
Distressing personal experiences rarely happen with consideration for the demands of academic life. Those experiencing these difficulties may risk negative academic, personal or social consequences as well as episodes of physical illness, emotional distress, changes in mood and thought patterns or in some circumstances thoughts of suicide, increased risk taking or self harming behaviour.
Because of the size and demographics of UNSW population, in any given year, some individuals will be troubled by a sudden medical emergency, mental health concerns, difficult or distressing life events, emotional disturbances, experiences of stress or anxiety.
Adjustment to cultural difference, using English as a second language, changes in work situations, financial concerns, and family difficulties can also adversely affect normal coping strategies and interfere with achievement in learning and academic pursuits and work place roles.
Distressing personal experiences rarely happen with consideration for the demands of academic life. Those experiencing these difficulties may risk negative academic, personal or social consequences as well as episodes of physical illness, emotional distress, changes in mood and thought patterns or in some circumstances thoughts of suicide, increased risk taking or self harming behaviour.
Because of the size and demographics of UNSW population, in any given year, some individuals will be troubled by a sudden medical emergency, mental health concerns, difficult or distressing life events, emotional disturbances, experiences of stress or anxiety.
Adjustment to cultural difference, using English as a second language, changes in work situations, financial concerns, and family difficulties can also adversely affect normal coping strategies and interfere with achievement in learning and academic pursuits and work place roles.
Recognition
How can you tell if someone may be at risk and what do you do?
The following are commonly expressed signs of distress. Some may be due to reactions to a specific event or cause, while others may result from long-term stress factors.
The following are commonly expressed signs of distress. Some may be due to reactions to a specific event or cause, while others may result from long-term stress factors.
Physical and health issues
- looking pale, perspiring excessively, having breathing difficulties
- fainting or loss of consciousness
- muscular spasms
- obvious intense pain, extreme fatigue
- complaining of sleep problems or falling asleep in unexpected circumstances
- regular episodes of illness, colds,flu etc
Emotional and psychological reactions
- being tearful
- sighing frequently
- appearing vague
- seeming confused
- experiencing high levels of anxiety or having panic attacks
- unpredictable expression of anger
- displaying agitation, having thoughts or speech patterns that seem pressured or race or seem odd
- sustained depressed mood, sustained irritability, frequent expressions of negativity
Behaviour
- avoidance of tasks
- withdrawing socially/verbally/emotionally
- neglecting self-care
- agitated or excessively demanding interaction with others
- excessive/uncharacteristic use of alcohol or other drugs
- an increase in impulsive behaviour, talking of suicide or violent acts towards self and/or others
- taking action toward suicidal intent or self harm
Academic
- academic failure
- a marked change in concentration/academic/work place performance
- loss of motivation
- increased occasions of uncompleted academic tasks or neglect of personal responsibilities
What you can do to assist for critical events
Action steps in an emergency (danger of harm)
Mental health/acute distress:
- Get back up support. Let someone else know your concerns. Avoid leaving the distressed person alone – ask a colleague to stay with them even if you only have to leave for a small period of time.
- Try to make the person in distress safe. If possible keep them away from windows, staircases, balconies, dangerous objects or chemicals.
- Contact Security – where possible get someone else to make the call. This leaves you free to focus on the needs of the person who needs assistance.
Security Direct Emergency Number 9385 6666 (extention number 6666) or free call 1800 626 003
The Security team will co-ordinate an appropriate response to the situation. They will also be able to provide back-up support to keep everyone as safe as possible.
Medical Emergency
- Get backup support. Get someone else to call Security’s Direct Emergency Number x6666, 9385 6666 or freecall 1800 626 003
- Request an immediate call for medical assistance or an ambulance
- Use appropriate first aid strategies. Check to see if there is a need for specific first aid (eg clearing of airways)
GIVE ADEQUATE DETAILS TO THE SECURITY OFFICER, PARTICULARLY:
· who you are
· exactly where the support is needed
· detail of what support you need.
· who you are
· exactly where the support is needed
· detail of what support you need.
Security will make sure the ambulance and other emergency response teams arrive as soon as possible.
Helpful numbers at a glance
UNSW Services Available 24 hours:
Patrol and Security (Kensington) 9385 6000
Security Emergency Number 9385 6666
Toll free (all campuses) 1 800 626 003
Area Health Service available 24 hours:
Eastern Suburbs Mental Health Service (Crisis Team) 9366 8611
Ashfield Mental Health Crisis Team 9798 5111 (bh) / 13 2222 pager 38447
Bankstown Mental Health Crisis Team 9780 2777(bh) / 9722 8000 (ah)
Canterbury Mental Health Crisis Team 9787 0600 bh / 9787 0000 (ah)
Inner City Mental Health Crisis Team 8382 1990
Marrickville Mental Health Crisis Team 9560 4500
St George Mental Health Crisis Team 9350 2432 (bh) / 9350 1111 (ah)
Liverpool / Fairfield Mental Health Crisis Team 9828 3000
Blacktown Mental Health Crisis Team 9881 8888
UNSW Services available during office hours:
UNSW Counselling Service 9385 5418 or 0414 385 224
International Student Services 9385 5333
UNSW Health Service 9385 5425
Deputy Registrar 9385 3079
Patrol and Security (Kensington) 9385 6000
Security Emergency Number 9385 6666
Toll free (all campuses) 1 800 626 003
Area Health Service available 24 hours:
Eastern Suburbs Mental Health Service (Crisis Team) 9366 8611
Ashfield Mental Health Crisis Team 9798 5111 (bh) / 13 2222 pager 38447
Bankstown Mental Health Crisis Team 9780 2777(bh) / 9722 8000 (ah)
Canterbury Mental Health Crisis Team 9787 0600 bh / 9787 0000 (ah)
Inner City Mental Health Crisis Team 8382 1990
Marrickville Mental Health Crisis Team 9560 4500
St George Mental Health Crisis Team 9350 2432 (bh) / 9350 1111 (ah)
Liverpool / Fairfield Mental Health Crisis Team 9828 3000
Blacktown Mental Health Crisis Team 9881 8888
UNSW Services available during office hours:
UNSW Counselling Service 9385 5418 or 0414 385 224
International Student Services 9385 5333
UNSW Health Service 9385 5425
Deputy Registrar 9385 3079
What you can do to assist for non-critical events
Action options
- Spend some time with the student/person involved: listen and help the person clarify their problem (this will establish rapport and build trust)
- be non-judgemental in your responses and attitude
- explore possible solutions and encourage the person to search for a satisfactory solution
- consider whether the person needs an immediate referral to sources of help
- show continuing interest and support
- let them know you will talk with them again and that you have an interest in their well being
Obvious/suspected emotional distress:
Contact the UNSW Counselling Service and ask to speak with a Counsellor for assistance and advice. The counsellor may be able to come to you and the distressed person or another course of action may be more appropriate for the counsellor to follow.
Kensington Campus Counselling Service
Ph: 9385 5418
East Wing of the Quadrangle Building
Level 2 (off the Basser steps).
COFA Counselling Service
Ph: 9385 0733
Ground Floor, G Block, Room 05
If you connect with the message option and you cannot wait for a return call please try the mobile: 0414 385 224 (Director, Counselling Service).
For UNSW Staff Members:
Staff members can be encouraged to contact the counsellors at the Employee Assistance Program (Davidson-Trahaire) on 1300 360 364. This is a free and confidential service for staff.
For Students:
(Alternatively where direct action is not needed):
Actively assist the person to contact the UNSW Counselling Service. They can use the Drop-In ‘no appointment necessary’ option between 11am and 12.30pm (Mon-Fri) or make an Intake-Appointment at 2pm or 3pm (Mon-Fri).You might consider walking with them to the service or encourage them to make an appointment from your phone.
Kensington Campus Counselling Service
Ph: 9385 5418
East Wing of the Quadrangle Building
Level 2 (off the Basser steps).
COFA Counselling Service
Ph: 9385 0733
Ground Floor, G Block, Room 05
If you connect with the message option and you cannot wait for a return call please try the mobile: 0414 385 224 (Director, Counselling Service).
For UNSW Staff Members:
Staff members can be encouraged to contact the counsellors at the Employee Assistance Program (Davidson-Trahaire) on 1300 360 364. This is a free and confidential service for staff.
For Students:
(Alternatively where direct action is not needed):
Actively assist the person to contact the UNSW Counselling Service. They can use the Drop-In ‘no appointment necessary’ option between 11am and 12.30pm (Mon-Fri) or make an Intake-Appointment at 2pm or 3pm (Mon-Fri).You might consider walking with them to the service or encourage them to make an appointment from your phone.
Obvious/suspected physical distress:
Advise the student about the Health Service on campus and check if they have a local GP. Encourage them to make an appointment for a check up.
Contact the UNSW Health Service on 9385 5425.
Contact the UNSW Health Service on 9385 5425.
Obvious/suspected academic risk:
Consider which of the following resources would be appropriate:
- Program or Course Co-ordinator
- (see the Student Guide Online)
- UNSW Counselling Service: 9385 5418
- The Learning Centre: 9385 3890
- First Year Contact Network: 9385 5418
- School Office
AFTER HOURS
For advice or assistance in managing the situation:
UNSW Security Services 9385 6000
Eastern Suburbs Mental Health Service 9366 8611 or your local Community Mental Health Team
Ashfield Mental Health Crisis Team 9798 5111 (bh) / 13 2222 pager 38447 (ah)
Bankstown Mental Health Crisis Team 9780 2777(bh) / 9722 8000 (ah)
Canterbury Mental Health Crisis Team 9787 0600 bh / 9787 0000 (ah)
Inner City Mental Health Crisis Team 8382 1990
Marrickville Mental Health Crisis Team 9560 4500
St George Mental Health Crisis Team 9350 2432 (bh) / 9350 1111 (ah)
Liverpool / Fairfield Mental Health Crisis Team 9828 3000
Blacktown Mental Health Crisis Team 9881 8888
FOLLOW UP
Intervention with students at risk may not be easy and may leave the helper feeling distressed. Staff and students who are directly involved may need to be supported and debriefed. Debriefing sessions are provided by the UNSW Counselling Service.
Staff of the Counselling Service have compiled this pamphlet in consultation with members of the UNSW community. Your feedback is welcome and you are invited to contact the Director, Annie Andrews email: a.andrews@unsw.edu.au
Additional student support resources available on The Counselling Service website.
For advice or assistance in managing the situation:
UNSW Security Services 9385 6000
Eastern Suburbs Mental Health Service 9366 8611 or your local Community Mental Health Team
Ashfield Mental Health Crisis Team 9798 5111 (bh) / 13 2222 pager 38447 (ah)
Bankstown Mental Health Crisis Team 9780 2777(bh) / 9722 8000 (ah)
Canterbury Mental Health Crisis Team 9787 0600 bh / 9787 0000 (ah)
Inner City Mental Health Crisis Team 8382 1990
Marrickville Mental Health Crisis Team 9560 4500
St George Mental Health Crisis Team 9350 2432 (bh) / 9350 1111 (ah)
Liverpool / Fairfield Mental Health Crisis Team 9828 3000
Blacktown Mental Health Crisis Team 9881 8888
FOLLOW UP
Intervention with students at risk may not be easy and may leave the helper feeling distressed. Staff and students who are directly involved may need to be supported and debriefed. Debriefing sessions are provided by the UNSW Counselling Service.
Staff of the Counselling Service have compiled this pamphlet in consultation with members of the UNSW community. Your feedback is welcome and you are invited to contact the Director, Annie Andrews email: a.andrews@unsw.edu.au
Additional student support resources available on The Counselling Service website.