This year, the theme for the week was ‘Mental Health starts with our children’.  

Murdoch students and staff channelled their inner child through dress up to raise money for charity, took a break to eat some fairy floss and listen to music, attended the Murdoch Guild World Fusion Festival and participated in relaxing activities. 

Sarah Boomer, Student Wellbeing Equity Projects Officer, said these events helped students to have some fun, feel happy and remember what it was like to be a child. 

“It’s a tough time for everyone across the globe, and at universities especially with COVID and exams are now coming up, so that’s why something like this is so important. Students and staff had the opportunity to be a kid again, learn about what mental health week is about, how mental health affects us as children through to adults, and contribute to charity.” 

“The success of the student events is down to the Student Wellbeing and Equity Ambassadors. They used their understanding of student life to bring some fun and play time to campus. It was great seeing staff get involved and taking a break to connect with our students and each other as well,” said Sarah. 

Across the week, students celebrated National Coming Out Day on 11 October, pot planting and decoration to connect with mother nature, a Wellbeing Wednesday session for some mindfulness and other wellness activities, a day to nurture their inner child, and some yoga to reflect on their inner self.   

“We had staff and students say they would really like to do this again and that they could see how important that was for our growth,” said Sarah. 

Although this week provided a special opportunity for students and staff to take a step back from study and work to prioritise their mental health, connect with their inner child and understand how mental health affects children, Professor Lawson said it is important keep up mental health every day of the year. 

“As the week finishes, looking after ourselves doesn’t. We must continue to take care of ourselves by practicing self-care activities and nurturing the inner child within us.” 

“This year Mental Health Week has shown us what we loved and needed as children. These are the needs we should provide the children in our lives to create a safe outlet for emotions and encourage mentally healthy practices as they grow.”  - Interim Vice Chancellor, Professor Lawson.