Oasis - Student Wellbeing Centre

The moment we’ve all been waiting for…

… Mindful Yoga is BACK!

Join Shoba in practicing a gentle style of movement meditation, blending gentle movements, self-compassion, and mindful presence.

Mindful Yoga is suitable for people of all ages, physical abilities and fitness levels. No experience is needed. All students are welcome!

This will run for 8 weeks starting 28th August (next Wednesday, woo!), in the Oasis Common Room.

No registration required; just bring yourself and some comfortable clothing. We have mats available to use as well.

See you there!

FUSA and Student Council are proud to bring you a very special 24-hour event in honour of NAIDOC Week. Join us on campus at The Yungkurrinthi Inparrila Cultural Gathering Space for an eternal flame fuelled by reconciliation.

As we honour this flame, we kindle the sparks of pride and unity, igniting a renewed commitment to celebrating First Nations people and promoting Reconciliation.

The fire will be ignited at 10:30am on 21 August at the opening ceremony, supported by speeches from guest presenters. Join us through the day or night for a bright fire, activities, live music, food and a good yarn!

This event will be open to the community for the full 24-hours, so you are welcome to bring your friends and family to engage and take part in this time of reflection, sharing, conversation and togetherness.

Mindfulness for Academic Success – 5-week Program

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN for SEM 2!

Semester 2 - Begins Week 3
OASIS - Tuesdays 10.00 - 11.00am

Mindfulness is being present and engaged in each moment of our lives. It is something that we can all learn, and research shows that it improves wellbeing and academic performance.

This innovative program run by the Flinders Counselling Service consists of five 60-minute sessions in person over five weeks.

You will learn to use mindfulness to:
- reduce stress and anxiety
- improve focus
- stop procrastinating
- communicate effectively

Semester 2 - Begins Week 3
OASIS - Tuesdays 10.00 - 11.00am

For more info and to apply please click here: https://blogs.flinders.edu.au/student-health-and-well-being/2024/02/08/mindfulness-for-academic-success-2024/

Welcome to the start of Semester!
Whether you’re looking for a place to relax, connect and study, connect with us 😊
Check us out at Bedford Park Fair Day or drop in at Oasis for a chat!
Let’s embark on this journey together!

Orientation Week is finally here! Oasis Student Wellbeing Centre is excited to welcome all new students to Flinders University.

To kick start the week, check out our schedule of events for O’Week and start making memories! 😀

Yes—we are still OPEN this Thursday! 11 am to 1 pm. Bring a bag and come n' stock up!

After that we will have a couple weeks break. The market depends on the hard work of student volunteers, and everyone deserves a bit of well earned rest and recovery.

Please chat to Oasis staff if you would like to know about potential alternative food options over the closure.

Take care and see you all soon!

𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 – 𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐈𝐃

*FINAL DATES FOR 2024 - some places left *

One in five Australian adults experiences a mental health problem. Mental Health First Aid is the initial help and support provided to a person experiencing a mental health issue or in a mental health crisis, until the appropriate professional help is received, or the crisis resolves.

This 2-day practical and accredited educational course equips you with the skills to understand mental health issues and help others, using a proven, evidence-based Action Plan.
It does not teach you to be a counsellor.

Over the 2 days, participants will:
• Learn how to recognise common mental health problems
• Improve knowledge of mental illnesses, their treatments and appropriate first aid actions
• Increase confidence to provide first aid
• Learn where and how to seek appropriate professional help
• Know how to respond in a crisis.

*If you have any concerns about your own mental health, please contact Flinders Health Counselling and Disability Service or your own mental health practitioner*

*NB: YOU MUST ATTEND BOTH DAYS OF THIS EVENT TO COMPLETE THE COURSE AND BE ELIGIBLE FOR ACCREDITATION*

Any questions contact: [email protected]

Please visit the link to register: https://blogs.flinders.edu.au/student-health-and-well-being/2024/03/12/online-mental-health-first-aid-training-for-flinders-students/ #:~:text=This%202%2Dday%20practical%20and,%2C%20evidence%2Dbased%20Action%20Plan.&text=Flinders%20is%20offering%20this%20sought,and%20Amenities%20Fees%20(SSAF)

It’s Wellbeing Week and Oasis has you covered!

Developing knowledge and skills around maintaining and improving mental health and wellbeing and knowing when to seek support is paramount for a meaningful university experience. There’s no time like NOW to stop and reflect on our wellbeing. Wellbeing Week is about being mindful of this, and providing the opportunity to explore effective wellbeing strategies by visiting our stalls and engaging in the various activities.

The Good Vibes Experiment is on tour with the Good Vibes Roadshow! Learn about the Flinders student-created campaign – pick up some pins and other merch, along with an activity book to take home and complete in your own time – it’s a fun way to learn about ways to enhance your wellbeing!

We will have our student Wellbeing Ambassadors on-hand to chat to you about the Good Vibes Experiment, Oasis - Student Wellbeing Centre, and the Health, Counselling & Disability Service.

What Are You Grateful For? Jot it down and pin it on the Gratitude Wall in the Hub – it will be a brilliant, one-stop-shop for good feels by the week! There will also be a mindful colouring in station for everyone to get involved in and exercise your creative side.

Fancy a Forest Walk? Perhaps meditation, or even a friendly conversation? We have a bunch of wellbeing-related programs happening at Oasis, but also in the Hub, Plaza, and even at the City campus.

Everyone is welcome!

👍

📣 Don't miss out! Applications for the Wellbeing Ambassador Program at Flinders University are closing soon!

🌟 If you're passionate about mental health and making a difference on campus, this is your chance to shine.

Complete your application by Friday, 12th April, and join our team!

Apply now and be a part of something meaningful. 🚀🌈

Access form here https://oasis.flinders.edu.au/wellbeing-ambassador-program/

Join the Oasis Wellbeing Ambassador Program at Flinders University!

Since 2018, hundreds of students have been trained to champion mental health initiatives on campus. Could you be one of the 2024 Wellbeing Ambassadors? Here’s what you’ll do:

👌Lead events like Wellbeing Week and RU Ok? Day

👍Co-develop and promote mental health campaign

📝Create engaging social media content

🎗️Support student wellbeing initiatives and develop your own wellbeing initiatives

Plus, perks include free training and Horizon Points!

Applications are open now! Complete the form by 12th April - access form here https://oasis.flinders.edu.au/wellbeing-ambassador-program/

Don’t forget your Working with Children’s Check – it’s mandatory!

Apply today and make a difference in student wellbeing.

Come and Volunteer at Oasis!

We have a variety of roles to help you build professional and personal skills, access training and development opportunities, and to earn Horizon points.

Volunteer-related programs currently include:
-- Flinders Community Market, which is student-led and operated;
-- Flinders Mates, which relies on student volunteers from international and domestic backgrounds to lead casual conversations;
-- Wellbeing Ambassadors, students championing wellbeing at Flinders and contributing to wellbeing and mental health events and initiatives;
-- Winter Warmers (starting in May), serving wholesome and healthy soups for students in the cooler months.

Make new friends and connections with other volunteers and students!

Sign up here: https://flinders.jotform.com/240569063704861

The Oasis session has been booked out!

However, we have FIVE SPOTS left for Sturt starting next week! You don’t have to be a student at Sturt to join this 5-week program! Starts Tuesday 10-11am!

If you’re interested, please apply ASAP and by 9am
Momday by clicking on the link below where you’ll find more information too!

https://oasis.flinders.edu.au/mindfulness-for-academic-success-2/

Mindfulness for Academic Success is an evidence based 5 Week program kicking off in Week 2 this semester!

This innovative program consists of five 60-minute sessions, where you will learn to use mindfulness to:
- reduce stress and anxiety
- improve focus
- stop procrastinating
- communicate more effectively
- study more efficiently (and with more enjoyment!)

Join counsellors Chris, Emily and Bob for one of the ‘Mindfulness for Academic Success in a Nutshell’ info sessions during O’Week and Connect Week (refer to your O’Week Planner for times).

Alternatively – if you would like to apply for one of the four programs being run in Semester 2 both at Oasis and at Sturt please click the link below.

All students - new and continuing are welcome to apply! More info and application form here: https://oasis.flinders.edu.au/mindfulness-for-academic-success-2/

Great news!!! Flinders Community Market will be back on Thursday, 22nd February.

Coinciding with the Orientation Week, come and join us at Oasis and experience the good vibes and be part of the community of welcoming and friendly students at Flinders.

At Flinders Community Market, students have access to free bread, fruits and vegetables plus a chance to purchase pantry items at a very low cost! You have to see it for yourself 😊

Hi everyone!

We are going to wrap up the year at Oasis later this week on the 23rd of December, and will be open again on 8th January.

While the Oasis Function Centre is inaccessible, there are alternative Prayer Room locations (e.g., McHughs). See the link here for more information: https://oasis.flinders.edu.au/prayer-room-opening-times/

Wishing you all a wonderful festive season, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, from all of us at Oasis!

Enjoy the Sun, take care, and looking forward to seeing you all in the New Year for a brilliant and successful 2024!



🌲🥳

Oasis – Student Wellbeing Centre focuses on supporting the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of students at Flinders University to achieve academic and personal success.
We are running a short survey to gather your thoughts as part of assessing and reviewing our programs and services for continuous improvement, and to ensure we meet student wellbeing needs.

To show our appreciation for completing this survey, you can also go into the draw to WIN 1 X 10 $50 gift cards. Provide your email at the end of the survey to be in the draw!

All responses are confidential and no individuals will be identified during the review and reporting process.

Please consider helping Oasis build better student wellbeing services and events—your input is very valuable to us!

To access the survey - click the link here: https://qualtrics.flinders.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_eeM05MeczNjGdro

We also have paper copies available at Oasis reception 😊

Thank you!

𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 – 𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗛 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗔𝗜𝗗

*Final course added for the year: Wednesday 22nd November & Wednesday 29th of November in the Oasis Wellbeing Centre*

One in five Australian adults experiences a mental health problem. Mental Health First Aid is the initial help and support provided to a person experiencing mental health issue or in a mental health crisis, until the appropriate professional help is received, or the crisis resolves. This 2-day practical and accredited educational course equips you with the skills to understand mental health issues and help others, using a proven, evidence-based Action Plan.

It does not teach you to be a counsellor.

Over the 2 days, participants will:

• Learn how to recognise common mental health problems
• Improve knowledge of mental illnesses, their treatments and appropriate first aid actions
• Increase confidence to provide first aid
• Learn where and how to seek appropriate professional help
• Know how to respond in a crisis.

*If you have any concerns about your own mental health, please contact Flinders Health Counselling and Disability Service or your own mental health practitioner* https://students.flinders.edu.au/support/hcd/counselling

*NB: YOU MUST ATTEND BOTH DAYS OF THIS EVENT TO COMPLETE THE COURSE AND BE ELIGIBLE FOR ACCREDITATION*

Any questions or concerns contact: [email protected]
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mental-health-first-aid-tickets-736934820887?aff=oddtdtcreator

Flinders Mates runs on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Bedford Park (Oasis), but now it runs on Wednesday at Sturt campus too!

Flinders University hosts thousands of international students, representing many different cultural backgrounds. However, studying internationally at Flinders and in tertiary institutions across Australia can challenging. Loneliness is a huge and growing issue. Social engagement, building friendships, and community and intercultural understanding are fundamental factors for student success.

Celebrating the diversity of cultural groups here at Flinders, Flinders Mates is a student led program that connects domestic and international students for fun conversation, sharing culture and building friendships.

These regular get-togethers are a great way to meet people from all over the world. Other benefits include:

• Deeper connection and community
• Reduced isolation
• Cross cultural communication skills
• Improved multicultural integration on campus
• Improved language skills
• Compliment studies by enhancing your understanding of other cultures – a vital skillset in a global workforce

Sessions are run by student facilitators who create a safe and informal space for people for connecting around conversation.

If you need a break from your studies, please feel welcome to stop by for a chat at Sturt Library, in the Library Lounge on Level 3.

Tuesday 10th October is World Mental Health Day 2023!

Today is an international day to raise awareness of the importance of mental health issues faced worldwide, promote better understanding, and to mobilise efforts in support of mental health.

Everyone’s mental health is a universal human right, and this year we are uniting behind the theme “our minds, our rights”. Mental health issues should never be used as a justification to deprive someone of their human rights or to exclude them from decisions about their health. Head to the World Health Organization (WHO) website for more information!

We are also using today as an opportunity to highlight that October is also Mental Health Awareness Month! Throughout this month, take the opportunity to encourage everyone in our community to talk about their mental health, check-in with those we care about and help people find the resources they need.

There is more information and lots of resources on the Mental Health Coalition South Australia (MHCSA) website if you would like to find out more. “Have the Conversation”.

Oasis is in the Hub at Bedford Park today, and Wellbeing Ambassadors will be on hand—make sure to stop by to have a chat, say hi, or have a go at the Spin to Win wheel! Also take the chance to get engaged in Wellbeing Creative Writing activities and challenges. In collaboration with FUSA there will be live music and places to relax in the sun in the Plaza; you’re welcome to come and enjoy it!

GOOD NEWS!

Mindfulness for Academic Success sessions will continue for the next two weeks at Oasis and they are open to all students to drop in!

Tuesday 19th 10-11am - we’ll be covering MOTIVATION - how to get it and how to keep it!

Tuesday 25th 10-11am - we’ll be focusing on PROCRASTINATION- how to procrastinate procrastinating ! (and more!)

We will be practicing some experiential mindfulness exercises and talking about our favourite strategies!

Join Chris for these two sessions at Oasis !

No need to register … just turn up!

Thursday 14th September is R U OK? Day!

Join Oasis and FUSA in the Student Hub & Plaza at Bedford Park between 11am-2pm for a fun day full of free goodies, live music, giveaways, meaningful conversation and Good Vibes!

Make sure you look out for our Wellbeing Ambassadors so you can learn how to ask people if they are ok, and about the range of support available to Flinders students.

Studying at Sturt, Tonsley or FMC? Visit us from 11:30am-1:30pm for free goodies, giveaways, and meaningful conversations!

The Flinders Community Market is held in Oasis every Thursday from 11am-1pm during semester, providing students with FREE bread, fruit and vegetables, and LOW-COST pantry items, to help significantly reduce your food costs.

Enjoy a community atmosphere with opportunities for you to connect with other students and find out about other student services.

No need to register or book, just rock-up.

See you there! 🥦🥬🥒🍅🍓🍉🍇🌶

Come and join us for our Midday Meditation to unwind and to practice bringing your mind back to the present moment.

It is a guided mindfulness mediation and is perfect for beginners and seasoned meditators alike.

Midday Mediation will be run by Dave, one of our chaplains.

Free, and no need to register. Everyone is welcome! 🧘‍♀️🧘🧘‍♂️

On the Bedford Park campus, we have access to scrub and pine forest land that makes for excellent walks and opportunities to connect with nature to enhance our wellbeing.

Join Chaplain Dave at 11 am Wednesday for a Forest Walk to explore this beautiful wilderness on our doorstep (we saw a koala last time!).

Remember to wear appropriate closed footwear and clothing and bring a water bottle.

During Wellbeing Week, the Forest Walk will start from the Student Hub and finish at Oasis. 🌲🌳🌱🐨

Come and join us for a coffee and a chat!

This is an open space for anyone to come along and meet their fellow Flinders students.

Everyone is welcome at this friendly and informal opportunity to meet new people, facilitated by our chaplains.

Wednesday and Friday at 1-2 pm at Oasis, Bedford Park campus, and from 11-12 in the Sturt Library Lounge, Level 3 of Sturt campus library.

No need to register; see you there! 👍

Flinders Mates connects domestic and international students for conversations celebrating the diverse cultural groups of the Flinders community.

Flinders Mates is a great way to meet people from all over the world, make new friends, expand your intercultural knowledge and build global networks.

Sessions are run by student facilitators who create a safe and casual space for people to connect around conversation.

Meet our Flinders Mates Facilitators at the Hub during Wellbeing Week who will lead agroup in the Plaza for fun and interactive group conversations!

See you there!

Keep warm in the cold with delicious and comforting free soup!

Our hearty and flavourful soups are carefully crafted from scratch and prepared by our student volunteers to provide nourishment and comfort.

All soups are vegan-friendly too!!

Come and visit us at Oasis and experience the harmony of taste, comfort and meeting new friends!

The 11th - 15th September is Wellbeing Week!

Visit our Gratitude Wall and Good Vibes Experiment stall in the Hub on Bedford Park Campus.

Learn about the Flinders student created campaign ‘Good Vibes Experiment’ – and pick up some pins and other merch along with an activity book to take home and complete in your own time – it’s a fun way to learn about ways to enhance your wellbeing! We will have our student Wellbeing Ambassadors on hand to chat to you about the Oasis Student Wellbeing Centre and the Health Counselling & Disability Service.

There will also be a mindful colouring-in station. Write down what you’re grateful for and pin it on our wall – it will look amazing by the end of the week!

Come and visit us in the Hub at Bedford Park on Monday-Thursday, and on Level 3 of the Sturt Library at Sturt on Wednesday! 👍