Join the Healthy University conversation

An overview and invitation by Dr Stephanie Brookman,
Chair, UoN Healthy University Steering Committee, Deputy Academic Registrar Health and Wellbeing Medical Director, University Health Service - University of Newcastle

Dear Colleagues,

As you know, one of the initiatives identified in the Future Workforce Plan is implementation of a Healthy University Scheme at UoN.

I would like to tell you more about this exciting concept and invite you to participate.

"A Healthy University aspires to create a learning environment and organisational culture that enhances the health, wellbeing and sustainability of its community and enables people to achieve their full potential". (Healthy Universities website: www.healthyuniversities.ac.uk)

The Healthy University strategy brings together all stakeholders to provide a whole of organisation, system based approach to health, wellbeing and sustainability. Across the campuses we know there are many health and wellness initiatives being undertaken. The strategy provides a platform to co-ordinate and consolidate these activities and will enable us to identify those areas where we can do more. We will then develop and implement programs that address our health and wellbeing priorities. Our evaluation of the work will present opportunities for research and to build evidence of effectiveness.

A steering committee has been formed and we will be establishing initial working groups in Psychological Health, Health Promotion, Organisational Health, Research and Evaluation, and Environmental Health and Sustainability. Each working group will be comprised of academic and professional staff as well as representatives from the student organisations.

How can you help?

Our first task is to identify all our current health and wellbeing activities. To this end I would appreciate hearing from you if you are involved in providing any programs for students and / or staff related to health or wellbeing. You might also like to investigate how your area might be able to contribute to this Scheme and we would like to hear from any researchers in this field.  Opportunities exist to join one of the working groups, so if you have expertise and would like to contribute we would welcome your input. Your feedback, advice, or other enquiries can be directed to HealthAndSafety@newcastle.edu.au.

I look forward to providing you with regular updates and information about our progress and the programs we will be offering as we work towards making UoN a truly Healthy University. 

Dr Stephanie Brookman