Mental Health Month
A Little Connection Goes a Long Way
October 2026
🧠 Welcome to Mental Health Month
Every October at UNSW, we celebrate Mental Health Month to take the time to check in with ourselves and consider our mental health and wellbeing, regardless of lived experience.
Our experiences, actions, thoughts and behaviours around mental health are all different but connection matters to all of us. This year's theme, "A Little Connection Goes a Long Way", is a reminder that small moments count.
Get involved in our events – they aim to inspire students like you to try something new to support your mental health and wellbeing.
Mental Health Month also reminds us:
- To notice if you're feeling different than your usual self
- That asking for help is a sign of strength
- It's okay to reach out to a friend or to a certified professional.
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Mental health is “a state of mental wellbeing that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community” (World Health Organization).
You can consider mental health as a continuum. It affects how we think, feel and act, and influences our sense of self, studies, work and relationships. Our mental health can change along this continuum from week to week through to any point of our lives, depending on different life factors – big or small.
Mental health problems often happen when we’re struggling. For example, when we’re feeling low, highly stressed or worried. It’s normal to feel up and down sometimes and there are tools and things we can do to actively support our mental health. But when it starts to have a significant impact on our lives, it’s time to ask for help.
Mental illness or mental health disorders are clinically diagnosable illnesses that can affect someone’s emotional state or behaviour and has a significant impact on their ability to function, meaning to live, work or play. It’s important to note that clinical diagnoses require diagnosis from qualified health professionals.
There are different support options available at any level of the continuum that you are on.
🗓️ Get involved in Mental Health Month 2026
Ready to dive in? Mental Health Month is on throughout October. Take your pick from craft events, games and snacks, workshops, wellbeing programs and our World Mental Health Day event.
Events align with at least one of three focus areas (because connection looks different for everyone):
- Connection to communities
- Connection to supports
- Connection to self
Stay Gold (Kensington)
Stay Gold
Wednesday, 7 October | 2pm - 4pm | Law & Justice Library
Join us to mend or embellish your clothing in this special craft event. Craft supplies provided, or bring your own!
Taking ACTion Rolling Group
Taking ACTion Rolling Group
Every Wednesday | 2.30pm - 4pm | Psychology & Wellness
Taking ACTion is an interactive five-week program focused on helping you develop lifestyle skills surrounding your wellbeing. You'll get to participate in educational segments, group discussions and engaging exercises. We use Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) to address common concerns like low mood and worry.
ACT is an active therapeutic approach that focuses on making changes based on your interests and values. You'll also be encouraged to practise these skills in your daily life to see what works best for you. We look forward to meeting and working together!
Registration for the group program is essential. To enrol, fill out our Psychology & Wellness intake form and indicate you are interested in attending the Taking ACTion program.
Contact us at counselling@unsw.edu.au for more information.
International Student Sausage Sizzle
International Student Sausage Sizzle
Thursday, 8 October | 12pm - 2pm | The Village Green
Join us for a classic Aussie sausage sizzle! Get ready to enjoy socialising around the barbie (BBQ). The Cultural Mentor team will be here to kick off the event at the Village Green BBQ.
Art Collection Writing Prize
Art Collection Writing Prize
Applications close Monday, 12 October, 9am
The 2026 Art Collection Writing Prize invites UNSW students from every faculty and discipline to respond creatively to one of three artworks from the UNSW Art Collection. Submit up to 800 words in any written form; poetry, prose, critical essay or something entirely your own, for the chance to win $1000 and have your work considered for publication by UNSW.
Pick an artwork (and even find it on campus!), allow it to inspire you and enter via this form.
Stay Gold (Paddington)
Stay Gold
Monday, 12 October | 1pm - 3pm | UNSW Paddington Library
Join us to mend or embellish your clothing in this special craft event. Craft supplies provided, or bring your own!
Arc Check Point Night-Time Nibbles
Arc Check Point Night-Time Nibbles
Tuesday, 13 October - Thursday, 15 October | 6pm - 8pm | Main Library & Law Library
We know it’s hard to prioritise wellbeing during high-pressure times like exams. At Night-Time Nibbles, you can take a mindful break from studying while we take care of dinner. At each event, you'll get nutritious, tasty food and bite-sized opportunities to practise the skills needed for good wellbeing. The more Wellness Check Points you visit, the more your skills will improve, and the better you'll feel!
World Mental Health Day @ UNSW
World Mental Health Day @ UNSW
Wednesday, 14 October | 11am - 3pm | Catherine Harris Courtyard
Mark World Mental Health Day with us! Explore stalls, build connections and get the chance to name our new peer-led wellbeing space.
What you can expect:
- Chat with our UNSW Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) about student-led mental health advocacy.
- Get a first look at our new peer-led wellbeing space: a calm, stigma-free, non-clinical zone to drop in, chat or decompress. Plus, share your ideas and help us name the space.
- Are you an international student? Visit the Medibank OSHC stall to ask about your health cover and the mental health support available to you, including counselling and health navigation services.
- Stalls, connections and good vibes all day!
Mental Health Support Webinar
Mental Health Support Webinar
Thursday, 15 October | 1pm - 2pm | Online
Find out which mental health services are right for you at UNSW!
Join us for a Q&A talk on mental health services at UNSW. Our panel will give you an overview of the available services and how you can seek help. Hear from Sarah Hutchings, Head of Psychology and Wellness UNSW, Dr Monique Akouri, Head of the Health Service UNSW, and the Medibank team as they answer your questions on how UNSW can support you and your mental health. Not sure where to start or which service is right for you? This session is for you.
You will have the opportunity to submit questions prior to the webinar, so you can get the answers you need.
Games & snacks
Games & snacks
Thursday, 15 October | 3pm - 4.30pm | UNSW Main Library, Study Lounge (Level 2)
Need a break to recharge from your studies? Looking to make some new friends? The Library Peer Mentors have got just what you're looking for.
Join us for Uno, Jenga and more games, plus free food!
Rooted Within: Exploring My Mind-Body Tree (Mandarin)
Rooted Within: Exploring My Mind-Body Tree
Friday, 23 October | 2pm - 3.30pm | Room 2008, Level 2, East Wing, Quadrangle Building
Studying in a foreign country, international students often face challenges related to identity while navigating academic demands and the pressures of daily life.
This workshop offers a safe and supportive space for Mandarin-speaking students to explore their sense of self and learn ways to cultivate self-compassion in environments shaped by high expectations.
The workshop explores self-compassion, common humanity and the connection between the mind and body. Through guided reflection and creative imagery, participants will create an inner tree and notice how their thoughts, feelings and nervous system states shift along its branches and roots. Together, we will explore ways to feel more grounded and connected within ourselves.
This session will be delivered in Chinese Mandarin.
Spring into Crochet
Spring into Crochet
Monday, 26 October | 3pm - 4pm | UNSW Main Library, Study Lounge (Level 2)
Take a break from studying and join the Library Peer Mentors for a relaxing crochet session!
Religious Centre | Open Door Cafe
Religious Centre | Open Door Cafe
Every Friday in T3 | 4pm - 6pm | The Lodge @ Square House, Level 3
Introducing the Open Door Cafe, a welcoming space where students and staff from different denominations and faith backgrounds can come together. Unwind and enjoy each other's company over a cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate. We'll also have a variety of board games on hand for some light-hearted fun and friendly competition.
Our goal is to foster connection, dialogue and a sense of belonging among students and staff from all walks of life.
Arc Check Point Brekkie Club
Arc Check Point Brekkie Club
Every week in T3 (Monday to Friday) | 9.45am - 11.45am | The Quad
Start your day right with wellness tips and a free breakfast!
Mornings can be tough, so let us give you a hand. Find us on the Quad, grab a free breakfast and set yourself up for success with a dose of mindful reflection. At each event, you'll get nutritious, tasty food and bitesize opportunities to practise the skills needed for good wellbeing. The more Wellness Check Points you visit, the more your skills will improve and the better you'll feel!
Special projects from Mental Health Month
Untold Stories
A lived experience storytelling project where UNSW students and staff share their personal experiences and journey to recovery to help and inspire others going through similar experiences.
The ME in Mental Health
A digital visual art exhibition showcasing the unique mental health journeys of UNSW students. This online exhibition aims to help destigmatise mental illness in our UNSW community.
Are you or someone you know experiencing gendered violence?
Help is available for you and fellow students if you have been affected by, witnessed, or are supporting someone experiencing sexual assault, relationship violence, coercive control or sexual harassment.
The Gendered Violence Response Team (GVRT), made up of specialist mental health clinicians, can offer support, information, safety planning, or simply have an informal chat about your options. They can connect you with services for academic adjustments and provide guidance on reporting incidents. You can also report anonymously using the Gendered Violence portal.
📞 UNSW After Hours Mental Health Support Line
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health challenges after hours, you can access professional support by calling 9385 5418 between 5pm and 9am, Monday to Friday, or any time on weekends and public holidays. You can also text 0485 826 595.
This counselling service is free for all currently enrolled UNSW students.
💬 TalkCampus
A handy app where you can talk with other students worldwide if you're struggling, feeling overwhelmed or homesick, or just want to feel seen and heard. It's free, anonymous and available 24/7.
Short wellbeing courses are also available.
📞 Medibank 24/7 Mental Health Support Line
Medibank health insurance holders, including students with overseas health cover (OSHC), can get professional support and guidance at any time. Call 1800 644 325 or chat online.
Need more support? We’re here to help.
Whether you're feeling unwell, overwhelmed or unsure where to turn, support is always available at UNSW.
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If you or someone else are in immediate danger or need urgent medical or psychological help, please seek emergency support right away.
This includes contacting emergency services (000), attending your nearest hospital or using after-hours crisis lines.
If you require emergency support while you're on campus, access our 24/7 services below.