Mental Health support recognised at awards

The 2019 winners of Disability Information and Support Appreciation awards. Photo: Sharron Bennett.

Student Health's Mental Health and Wellbeing team was among 12 groups and individuals recognised with awards at an event at the Staff Club last Friday evening.

The Manager of Disability Information and Support, Melissa Lethaby, says the Awards, now in their ninth year, are a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge and thank individuals who have worked towards the service's vision of working in partnership to promote an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity, promotes comprehensive academic support and empowers individuals with impairments to achieve their full potential.

"They are a team who truly understand the academic demands students face and equally understand the challenges these sometimes present."

“It's always a good opportunity to thank those who have provided exceptional support and from experience, a simple gesture of thanks goes a long way to fostering a good working relationship.”

Ms Lethaby says the Mental Health and Wellbeing team was chosen for an award because of the exceptional support they offer both students and staff.

“They are a team who truly understand the academic demands students face and equally understand the challenges these sometimes present. They are also acutely aware of the importance of linking students in with appropriate support services at a time that is right for them.”

She says there is a worldwide increase in the numbers of people experiencing a decline in their well-being and that this is evident within our own University community.

“In fact, tertiary study can be a time when many students end up neglecting their wellbeing.

“While self-care is so important, good pastoral care is also important and I believe the provision of this is the responsibility of all staff on campus. Research indicates that appropriate and timely support is crucial for students in need. Thirteen week semesters are packed full of learning and many deadlines, so any delay in linking students in with appropriate support services can make it challenging to catch up.”

Mental Health and Wellbeing Clinical Group Leader Richard Mooney, and Acting Student Health Director Margaret Perley say receiving the award was great for team morale.

"Rapid access to high quality mental health services and robust early intervention is evidenced to improve outcomes."

“We work extremely hard to provide a high quality service to the students we see and also to the wider University community and knowing that this work is appreciated through an award like this is extremely gratifying,” they say.

“We know that our student cohort are a vulnerable group in regard to the emergence of mental health difficulties. Rapid access to high quality mental health services and robust early intervention is evidenced to improve outcomes.”

The relationship between their team and Disability Information and Support is very strong, and the two services work in partnership to get the best possible outcomes for the students they support.

“The synergies in terms of our goals to provide students with the best possible platform to realise their academic goals and have an excellent experience in Otago are closely aligned.”

Ms Lethaby says both teams are devoted to seeing students flourish while at Otago.

“The aims of creating an outstanding student experience are more than just words for both Disability Information and Support and the team at Student Health.

“Working collaboratively to ensure students have access to support if they need it is vital and referrals between our services are frequent and actioned in a timely manner. This collaborative approach, while efficient, is also hugely positive for students who require some tangible support.”

Disability Information and Support's Appreciation Award recipients 2019

Antonio Ahn (Postgraduate student)
For being an exceptional supervisor for alternative arrangements

Carol Bond (Tutor)
For providing first-class tutoring support for students

Finn Butler (Tutor)
For providing first-class tutoring support for students

Prajesh Chhanabhai (Schools Liaison Officer, Wellington)
For providing exceptional support and guidance to staff and students

Tony Cooper (Student Development)
For providing exceptional support and guidance to staff and students

Laura Elliott (Undergraduate student)
For being an outstanding note-taker

Madeleine Holmes (Undergraduate student)
For being an outstanding note-taker

Rachel Malden (Undergraduate student)
For being an outstanding note-taker

Claire Macindoe (Postgraduate student)
For providing outstanding support for students across a number of areas

Stephanie McConnon (Tutor)
For providing first-class tutoring support for students

Mental Health and Wellbeing Team (Student Health)
For providing outstanding, timely advice and support for students and staff

Margaret Wright (Exam supervisor)
For being an exceptional supervisor for alternative arrangements