Health, wellbeing and safety
The Sydney College of Divinity is committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of its students and staff. We want to encourage among our community better mental and physical health and promote a safe and respectful environment.
Student Support Officer
The Student Support Officer is usually the Registrar of the college where the student is enrolled. The Officer is the person to contact for information and any concerns and questions a student may have regarding health, safety and wellbeing.
The Student Support Officer can assist with
- security and safety concerns
- health services information
- counselling / chaplaincy services information
- legal services information
- harassment / inappropriate behavior reporting
- hazard and critical incident reporting
- health and safety policies and procedures
Personal health, wellbeing and safety
Students are to be informed and aware of their responsibilities.
Students must:
- take reasonable care of and cooperate with actions taken to protect the health and safety of both themselves and others
- follow safe work practices
- seek information from the Student Support Officer about new or unfamiliar tasks
- report all health and safety concerns, incidents, and hazards to the Student Support Officer
- follow safety plans and procedures, including emergency evacuation procedures
- know what to do
- in an emergency
- when an incident occurs
- if you see a hazard or risk
- adhere to COVID-19 regulations (For updates visit the Australian Department of Health)
Health and Wellbeing
At Sydney College of Divinity, we want to encourage students to be proactive about their wellbeing by having a holistic approach. Studies have shown that different areas of health are closely related. For example, physical activity levels and sporting involvement have been shown to improve mental health.
Students should be familiar with details on computer comfort like how to set up your workstation and do some stretch exercises. Walking, exercising, participating in sports and any other activity that promotes a more active lifestyle is beneficial to overall wellbeing.
A healthy and balanced diet is also vital in promoting good health. To know more about the amount and kinds of foods that we can eat for health and wellbeing visit https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/
Health services
For all medical emergencies, call 000.
The General Practitioner (GP) can be contacted for general health matters. A GP will refer you to a specialist if specialised treatment is required.
If you need to see a doctor after hours but not in an emergency, call the National Home Doctor Service on 13 74 25 (13SICK).
In case of injury medical assistance should always be sought at the earliest. For serious accidents and emergency medical situations call 000 for an ambulance. Public hospitals have emergency departments which operate 24 hours. You can download the Emergency+ app for free. The Emergency+ app is a free app developed by Australia’s emergency services and their Government and industry partners. The app uses GPS functionality built into smart phones to help a Triple Zero (000) caller provide critical location details required to mobilise emergency services.
Wellbeing services
Study can often be stressful especially when we are juggling personal and work commitments with study. Financial stress, health issues and family pressures can be overwhelming. Colleges offer student support services, including counselling and chaplaincy services, that can help address some of the stress and improve student wellbeing. Students should familiarise themselves with the services offered at their college and should make use of them, as and when required.
Students can access TalkCampus, an online peer support community, which provides students with support for mental health.
Safety
Personal and work safety are important to us. All our colleges provide an environment that is safe, respectful and non-discriminatory. Campuses have emergency management in place, including emergency evacuation plans, first aid provisions and trained staff.
Sydney College of Divinity OHS (Occupational Health and Safety) procedures, safe work practices and guidelines are framed in line with the NSW Safework requirements.
International students can find helpful information on health and safety on the Australian Government Study in Australia website.
Reporting
If you notice something unsafe or experience inappropriate behaviour, we want you to report it at the earliest.
Sexual assault / harassment reporting
Report any concerning behaviour to the Student Support Officer or any member of staff, as soon as possible. All matters will be treated confidentially by the college staff. If you believe the behaviour is criminal, report it directly to the police.
Hazard and critical incident reporting
A hazard is defined as something that has the potential to harm the health, safety and wellbeing of people. If you see a hazard, report it immediately to the Student Support Officer, lecturer or relevant staff member.
Any critical incident must be reported to the college Principal via the Student Support Officer.
Sydney College of Divinity Health and Safety Booklet
Download the Booklet for general information.
Resources
Listed below are some of the services made available to all by the Australian government and non-profit organisations.
Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.
ReachOut is Australia’s leading online mental health organisation for young people and their parents. Their practical support, tools and tips help young people get through anything from everyday issues to tough times – and the information they offer parents makes it easier for them to help their teenagers, too.
Healthdirect provides free and easy access to trusted, quality health information and advice.
Sport Australia contributes to improving the health and wellbeing of Australians and making communities stronger through sport and physical activity.