Take home messages

If you do nothing but read this section of the toolkit, there are three take-home messages which we’d like you to know

Troubling emails can cause considerable angst

If you’d like to add this message to your email signature or automatic email replies, then you know that the student has the option of accessing help without you opening the email. You could amend the following message to suit you:

“The University of Newcastle provides an AfterHours Crisis Support phone line between 5pm to 9am weekdays, and 24 hours over the weekends and public holidays. To access the University of Newcastle out-of-hours crisis support line: Call 1300 653 007 or Text 0488 884 165 for sms chat option.”

The numbers for Security are on the back of your staff card

Consider putting the appropriate number for your campus into your personal mobile. That way, if there is an emergency, you’re already prepared and you save time.

Please remember the 4Rs – Recognise, Respond, Refer and Renew

When helping a distressed student, you should never go beyond your role or your comfort zone. Your job is to:

  • Recognise that the student needs assistance.
  • Respond by addressing their issues which may involve letting them know you have recognised that they are struggling.
  • Refer them to an appropriate pathway to get the help they need.
  • Renew yourself in the ways which you’ve learned have helped you to refresh, rejuvenate, relax, reset, revive, reboot and restore your own wellbeing.

Most importantly, remember that you are not alone. You are part of a team and there are people around you who can and want to help you. Just reach out.

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