Useful Information
Ensuring that the law student experience is positive, rewarding, engaging and safe is of crucial importance to the LSS. Your welfare matters, and we are here to support you.
Recognising the need for greater visibility of mental health, in 2015 the LSS created the Wellbeing Portfolio, headed by the Wellbeing Director. The Wellbeing Portfolio exists to be a contact point for referral for any law students seeking help or support (for themselves or their friends), and to gather feedback from law students regarding their experience of wellbeing in the law school. Furthermore, the portfolio aims to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health, and to foster a culture in which all students feel safe and free to discuss their mental health. We aim to move towards a culture that supports students’ wellbeing as a fundamental aspect of the law school experience.
The Wellbeing Portfolio exists to hear your concerns, provide support and referral services, and to raise awareness of the importance of mental health to every student. The Wellbeing Handbook exists for you as a reference tool, with many important resources to support your mental health outlined in the following pages, as well as practical advice for setting yourself up for an academic career at your full potential. Throughout the year we will be hosting a variety of events aimed at promoting good mental health. Keep an eye out for the LSS Mental Health Week that will be happening in Semester One. We will also be hosting a variety of panels, open forums, yoga and meditation sessions amongst other great events throughout the year.
Make sure to like ANU LSS Wellbeing on Facebook to stay up to date with all of our events.
Emergency Contacts
- BeyondBlue 1300 224 636 You can call any time of the day or night to talk with a trained mental health professional. They will listen, provide information and advice, and point you in the right direction so you can seek further support.
- Lifeline 13 11 14 Anyone across Australia experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide can contact Lifeline for support.
- Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 Provides specialised help for young people aged 5 to 25 years, and is staffed by professional counsellors.
- Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 The Suicide Call Back Service provides crisis counselling to people at risk of suicide, carers for someone who is suicidal and those bereaved by suicide. People who are not linked in with current professional support can also access up to six sessions of ongoing counselling with the same counsellor at scheduled times.
- MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78 For men of any age who would like support, information or referral to assist them to deal with relationship problems in a practical and effective way.
- Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS) 02 6280 0900 The DVCS provides 24-hour domestic violence crisis assistance.
- Canberra Rape Crisis Centre 02 6247 2525 CRCC is available for any woman, child, young person or man who has experienced any form of sexual abuse (adult rape, childhood sexual abuse, ritual abuse or sexual harassment) whether it is a recent assault or an assault that happened years ago.
- ACT Crisis, Assistance and Treatment Team (CATT) 1800 629 354 CATT provides 24-hour mental health emergency assistance and support.
- Health Direct 1800 022 222 or 02 6207 7777 Health Direct provides 24-hour medical & health advice line staffed by registered nurses.
- Poisons Information Line 131 126 If you have any concern about anything you (or a friend) have consumed or taken, Poisons Information Line is available 24/7.
Support Within The Law School
The LSS Common Room is stocked with free tea and coffee, as well as having kitchen facilities, couches, tables and chairs, and lots of fun things like a foozball table and games. The Common Room is open for all law students to use at all hours of the day, and is unlocked with your ANU student card. All we ask is that you keep the place tidy and clean up after yourselves. This space is located behind the law school, between Menzies Library and the Law School.
The ANU LSS Office is located in the the Common Room. The LSS Office is used for Office Hours throughout the year. If you would like to come in to discuss any concerns or issues you are having with the Wellbeing Director, please send an email to lsswellbeing@anu.edu.au or check out ANU LSS Wellbeing on Facebook for drop in session times.
The LSS Vice-President (Education) can be contacted with general academic enquiries, and any issues relating to your courses. The VP (Education) also sits on the ANU CoL Education Committee, the LLB (Honours) Committee, and the JD Committee, and so has capacity to assist with more policy-based concerns coming from the student body. Feel free to contact the VP (Education) if you think the LSS can provide any assistance with your studies at lsseducation@anu.edu.au.
If you are having any concerns with your courses it is advised that you first get in touch with the relevant Course Convenor. Who this is will change with each course, and you can find out who the Convenor is on the Wattle page for your course. If you have any questions about the course assessment or content, or about seeking special consideration or an extension for an assessment, send your Course Convenor an email.
If you have spoken with your Course Convenor and not received a satisfactory response, or if you have concerns with lecturers or tutors, marking, deferred exams, and/or academic appeals you can contact the ANU College of Law Sub-Dean.
Support Within The ANU
The ANU Students’ Association (ANUSA) is the peak representative body for all undergraduate students, advocating and furthering the interests of its members to the University. While best known for coordinating large-scale social events such as O-Week, ANUSA plays a substantial role in providing free and confidential services to all undergraduate students through our Student Assistance Unit. This includes a free legal service, financial aid, student meals, help with tax and Centrelink plus much more. Additionally, ANUSA manages the Brian Kenyon Student Space (BKSS) to add further value to the undergraduate student experience. From this space the second hand bookshop is run and the free breakfast program runs from 8-10am every day of term.
The ANUSA Vice President is available to assist students with academic appeals. If you ever have any concern related to your academics, get in touch with the ANUSA Vice President at sa.vicepres@anu.edu.au.
The ANUSA College of Law Representatives are your first port of call with inquiries about Law School. If you have concerns about your law school experience, want to see changes made, or are unsure whom to ask about something, shoot them an email at sa.col@anu.edu.au.
The ANU Postgraduate and Research Students’ Association (PARSA) is the student representative body for postgraduates at the ANU. PARSA provides a range of services aimed at providing support for the specific needs of postgraduate students in relation to both their studies and daily life. The primary focus of PARSA is the interests and welfare of all research and coursework postgraduate students at ANU. If you are studying law as a JD student, PARSA is your representative body. If you have any concerns or questions, you can contact the PARSA College of Law Representatives at parsa.law@anu.edu.au.
Access And Inclusion
(A&I) exists to assist students who have a disability, medical condition, who are recognised primary carers of a person with a disability, or those experiencing crisis to developing an Education Action Plan (EAP) to participate fully in their studies. EAPs can create adjustments that minimise the impact of disability in education. A&I aims to:
- Raise awareness and understanding of disability issues with students and staff.
- Enable students with disability to participate fully in University life.
- Be at the forefront of disability services provision in higher education.
Open from 9am-5pm, located on the ground floor of the Copland building.
Phone: (02) 6125 5036
Email: access.inclusion@anu.edu.au
Website: www.anu.edu.au/students/contacts/access-inclusion
ANU Health
ANU Health is the medical facility on campus for all your general medical needs (bulk-billed, i.e. free). You can make appointments online, and you are advised to book in advance. If you desperately need to see a nurse or doctor, you can arrive before the clinic opens at 9am, and they will make a list to try to slot you in to see someone, but please note that these slots are in high demand. Students should bring their Medicare Card, and Student ID, or an international health insurance card if relevant. ANU Health can assist you with general health check ups, sexual health, mental health and many other concerns and ailments. They are an excellent first port of call.
Location: North Road (between Uni Avenue and Coffee Grounds)
Open: 9am-5pm Monday to Thursday, 9am-4pm on Friday
Phone: 02 6125 3598
Email: health.reception@anu.edu.au
Website: www.anu.edu.au/students/contacts/health-service
ANU Counselling
The ANU offers a free and confidential counselling service to all current ANU students and staff. Counselling services to students are provided by Counsellors in the Counselling Centre. It can be very difficult to book an appointment with ANU Counselling, as they are in high demand. Students are advised to book early. If you live in a residential college and need help securing an appointment you can talk to your Sub-Dean or Head of Hall for assistance. If you are ever in urgent need of assistance, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Location: above ANU Health
Open: 9am-4.45pm weekdays
Phone: 02 6125 2442
Email: counselling.centre@anu.edu.au
Website: www.counselling.anu.edu.au
ANU Security
If you ever feel unsafe on campus, you can call ANU Security on 02 6125 2249. ANU Security is available to provide escorts (on foot or via vehicle) after hours anywhere on campus. If you’re coming home alone late at night, call ANU Security to escort you. If you see anything suspicious, or if anyone is being threatening, call ANU Security.
If you experience an emergency of a life threatening nature, dial 000.
Support Outside The ANU
Headspace
Headspace Canberra is a part of the National Youth Mental Health Foundation. headspace Canberra supports young people aged 12 – 25 who are experiencing mild to moderate mental health concerns and/or substance use issues, and their family and friends. headspace seeks to enhance young people’s ability to seek help, and offer youth-centred support and services. At headspace Canberra you can receive support from a range of professionals including youth workers, psychologists, social workers, alcohol and other drug workers. These workers are skilled in listening to young people and can help you identify problems, goals and achieve creative solutions to issues.
Location: 170 Haydon Drive, Level B, Building 18, University of Canberra, Bruce
Phone: (02) 6201 5343
Website: www.headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/headspace-canberra/
Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT (SHFPACT)
SHFPACT is a strong and vibrant health promotion charity and delivers sexual and reproductive health services to the Canberra community. SHFPACT offers a holistic, confidential and respectful service to Canberra and the region. A majority of SHFPACT Doctors and Nurses are female. All doctors and nurses have specialist sexual and reproductive health qualifications and approach all matters sensitively.
Location: Level One, 28 University Avenue, Canberra
Phone: 02 6247 3077
Website: www.shfpact.org.au/clinic-and-counselling
QLife
QLife is Australia’s first national counselling and referral service for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and/or intersex (LGBTI). QLife provides nation-wide, early intervention, peer supported telephone and web based services to people of all ages across the full breadth of people’s bodies, genders, relationships, sexualities, and lived experiences. If you need someone to chat to, call QLife.
Phone: 1800 184 527 3pm-midnight
Website: https://qlife.org.au/support/
Canberra Rape Crisis Centre (CRCC)
CRCC is a non-government, feminist organisation working to eliminate sexual violence against women, young people, children and men. If you have been assaulted or raped you can phone the CRCC on (02) 6247 2525. CRCC is available for any woman, man or child who has experienced any form of sexual abuse (adult rape, childhood sexual abuse, ritual abuse or sexual harassment) whether it is a recent assault or an assault that happened years ago. CRCC also provides support to individuals (e.g. friends, family) who are supporting survivors of sexual assault.
CRCC is staffed by specially trained workers. These services are free and confidential. Rape Crisis workers can accompany women, men and children to the Australian Federal Police Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Team (SACAT) if they wish to report the rape to the police. You can also contact the police directly on 131 444. You can use the Rape Crisis services without reporting the assault to the police.
The Service Assisting Male Survivors of Sexual Assault (SAMSSA) offers counselling and support to men over the age of 16 in the ACT and surrounding region, and their supporters, to recover from the effects and impacts of sexual assault or childhood sexual abuse.
If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) you can access the Nguru Program that provides culturally appropriate counselling for members of the ATSI community, who have experienced sexual assault, and their families.
Phone: 02 6247 2525 (7am-11pm)
CRCC’s location is kept confidential; please call for any and all assistance.
AIDS Action Council
The AIDS Action Council aims to build strong, connected and supportive communities that are free of new HIV transmissions, marginalisation, discrimination and stigma. The AIDS Action Council delivers a wide range of services for individuals, families and the community in Canberra and the surrounding region. Counselling is available during business hours Monday to Friday. Counselling is provided for all members of the community over the page of 16, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, lifestyle choice, cultural background, religious belief or economic circumstances. Counselling is free. AIDS Action Council also facilitates a HIV Support Program, Sex Worker Outreach Program and Needle & Syringe Program.
Location: Havelock House, 85 Northbourne Avenue, Turner ACT 2612
Phone: 02 6257 2855
Email: contact@aidsaction.org.au
Website: www.aidsaction.org.au
Emergency Contacts
Beyond blue 1300 224 636 You can call any time of the day or night to talk with a trained mental health professional. They will listen, provide information and advice, and point you in the right direction so you can seek further support.
Lifeline 13 11 14 Anyone across Australia experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide can contact Lifeline for support.
Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 Provides specialised help for young people aged 5 to 25 years, and is staffed by professional counsellors.
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 The Suicide Call Back Service provides crisis counselling to people at risk of suicide, carers for someone who is suicidal and those bereaved by suicide. People who are not linked in with current professional support can also access up to six sessions of ongoing counselling with the same counsellor at scheduled times.
MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78 For men of any age who would like support, information or referral to assist them to deal with relationship problems in a practical and effective way.
Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS) 02 6280 0900 The DVCS provides 24-hour domestic violence crisis assistance.
Canberra Rape Crisis Centre 02 6247 2525 CRCC is available for any woman, child, young person or man who has experienced any form of sexual abuse (adult rape, childhood sexual abuse, ritual abuse or sexual harassment) whether it is a recent assault or an assault that happened years ago.
ACT Crisis, Assistance and Treatment Team (CATT) 1800 629 354 CATT provides 24-hour mental health emergency assistance and support.
Health Direct 1800 022 222 or 02 6207 7777 Health Direct provides 24-hour medical & health advice line staffed by registered nurses.
Poisons Information Line 131 126 If you have any concern about anything you (or a friend) have consumed or taken, Poisons Information Line is available 24/7.
The Women In Law Organisation
The Women in Law Organisation (WILO) is a mentoring program aimed at promoting and creating relationships between women who study law and women in the legal sector. The program pairs female law students with a professional woman in the legal sector, as a means to empower and develop women studying law.
The ANU Law Students is a proud sponsor of this program and encourage all women studying law at the ANU to apply. Look out for application openings
If you have any further questions about the program, please contact the administrators on womeninlaw.anu@gmail.com