Charles Sturt University
Charles Sturt University

Wellness & Wellbeing

Wellbeing is more than the absence of disease or illness. It includes physical, mental, emotional and social health factors.

Happiness and life satisfaction is key to your wellbeing.

CSCS Mental Health Policy

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Charles Sturt have partnered with Converge International to provide you with an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to help you deal with the challenges, concerns or issues that may be affecting you at work or at home.

All University Staff, and their immediate families, have access to a range of support resources available in Converge International's Client Portal, as well as 6 free coaching and counselling sessions per issue

Converge International Services

The Converge International EAP portal is an online hub of resources designed to provide you with information on work related and personal issues. The portal contains information on the latest news and events from Converge International, newsletter inserts on various topics, research papers and tip sheets.

The portal is there as part of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services available to you however should not replace face-to-face or telephone counselling.

To log in to the Converge International client portal, go to convergeinternational.com.au and click the ‘Portal Login’ link.

Username: converge

Password: eap

You can also download the Converge International app:

Get it on Google Play

Available on the Apple App Store

COUNSELLING

Converge International offers a confidential, personal coaching and counselling service that provides support for a variety of short-term, personal or work issues (up to 6 sessions per issue). This service gives you access to qualified professionals including psychologists, social workers and management coaches.

You can access (free of charge):

To access the service and arrange an appointment, call

1300 687 327

You can arrange to speak with a consultant over the phone or meet face-to-face. Your confidentiality is assured, and your details will not be passed on to anyone at your organisation.

Counsellors can:

  • Assist you to gain insights to inform decisions and directions
  • Support you to develop strategies to drive positive changes in behaviour and lifestyle
  • Help you to adapt to change and seize opportunities
  • Provide coping strategies when dealing with difficult situations

You can also live chat by visiting convergeinternational.com.au and clicking on 'Contact Us'.

To download the Converge International app:

Get it on Google Play

Available on the Apple App Store

SPECIALIST SUPPORT

Converge International understands that people face many challenges in their lives and that, sometimes, these require specialised support. Converge International has specialist counsellors with specific social or cultural experience, knowledge and understanding.

First Nations Helpline Call for specialist advice and support around indigenous issues. 1300 287 432
LGBTIQA+ Helpline Speak with a specialist counsellor and access support across issues specific to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer or Questioning people. 1300 542 874
Domestic and Family Violence Helpline Speak with a specialist and access counselling, referral and support around domestic and family violence. 1300 338 465
Eldercare Helpline Access advice on aged care issues and referral to specialist resources, as well as emotional support when caring for family members or friends. 1300 035 337
Disability and Carers Helpline Talk with a counsellor to access specialised advice on disability support, as well as emotional support around caring for family members or friends who live with disability. 1300 243 543
Youth and Student Helpline Access age-sensitive support focusing on the emotional needs and psychological pressures many young Australians and students face in their daily lives. 1300 687 399
Spiritual and Pastoral Care Helpline Speak with a counsellor who will help you draw on Spiritual resources suitable to your faith journey. Converge International have counsellors from all major faith traditions and every major Christian denomination trained to integrate spirituality as an essential aspect of well-being. 1300 772 435

You can access one session of specialist support (available during business hours only), in addition to your existing Employee Assistance Program services.

Psychological Wellbeing

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

Charles Sturt have partnered with Converge International to provide you with an EAP to help you deal with the challenges, concerns or issues that may be affecting you at work or at home.

Converge International's Employee Assist service is your coaching and counselling service, providing confidential and short-term support.

To access the service, call

1300 687 327

Learn more

PHONE AND ONLINE COUNSELLING

  • Lifeline
    24/7 phone counselling, and online crisis support chat available each evening
  • Suicide Call Back Service
    1300 659 467 – National 24/7 professional telephone & online counselling for anyone affected by suicide.
  • Beyond Blue Support Service
    1300 224 636 – Telephone (24/7), online and email counselling.
  • 1800RESPECT
    1800 737 732 – 24/7 phone & online counselling for people seeking for domestic violence situations.
  • MensLine Australia
    1300 789 978 – Advice, therapy and support for men with families and relationship concerns.
  • QLife
    1800 184 537 – Online chat or phone counselling for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTIQA+) people.
  • GriefLine
    1300 845 745 – Phone and online counselling for individuals and families experiencing loss and grief.

Apps

  • MoodMission
    A free app designed to help individuals overcome low moods and anxiety by discovering new coping strategies.
  • Snapshot
    A free app for Australian adults to check and monitor their mental health and wellbeing status.
  • MindGauge
    A free app that allows users to easily and quickly track their mental health, mood, and lifestyle.
  • BeyondNow
    An app and online tool that helps users create a safety plan for when experiencing suicidal thoughts.
  • ReachOut Breath App
    A free app (iOS only) to help reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety by slowing down breathing and heart rate.
  • Smiling Mind
    A website and app teaching mindfulness meditation to young people and adults.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

  • MindSpot
    ‘Indigenous Wellbeing’ – A course for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults to learn to manage symptoms of depression and anxiety.
  • iBobbly
    Wellbeing and suicide prevention self-help app for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

Older Adults

  • MindSpot - ‘Wellbeing Plus’
    An online program for stress, worry, anxiety and depression in adults aged 60 and above.
  • Be Connected – e-Safety Commissioner
    Tools and resources to increase the confidence, skills and online safety for older Australians when they use the internet.

Self-Guided Programs

  • MoodGYM
    A free, interactive program based on Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) to help prevent and manage symptoms of depression and anxiety.
  • MyCompass
    A free, online interactive self-help CBT service for people with mild to moderate depression, anxiety and stress. It’s also appropriate for people who simply want to build good mental health.
  • THIS WAY UP
    A range of self-paced online CBT courses (free during COVID-10 crisis). Helping you learn practical skills to improve how you feel. Can be self-help or guided by your own clinician.
  • Mental Health Online
    Free online programs for a range of issues, with self-guided or therapist support options.
  • e-Couch
    A free, self-help program with modules for depression, generalised anxiety & worry, social anxiety, relationship breakdown, and loss & grief.
  • Centre for Clinical Interventions
    Free downloadable self-help workbooks and modules for a range of mental health and wellbeing issues.

Moderated Forums

  • Beyond Blue Online Forums
    Safe, supportive moderated online peer support forums for a range of mental health issues and demographics.
  • Sane Australia
    Moderated forums providing peer-to-peer support.

Young People

  • Kids Helpline
    1800 551 800 – 24/7 phone and online counselling for youth (5-25yrs)
  • Niggle
    A free app for youth designed as a self-help toolkit for all things related to mental, social and emotional wellbeing.
  • eheadspace
    Internet chat, email or phone support for young people (12-25ys) with a range of issues.
  • ReachOut
    Practical tools, support and moderated forums to help youth get through everything from everyday issues to tough times.
  • The Check-In
    An app to help young people take the fear out of having a conversation with a friend who might be struggling.
  • The BRAVE Program
    Prevention, interventions, and treatment of anxiety in young people.
  • BITE BACK
    Free online activities, psychoeducation and positive psychology aiming to promote wellbeing and resilience in young people.

Financial Wellbeing

Your financial wellbeing is important, both for today and for the future. It includes:

  • managing money daily
  • savings plans
  • finance goals
  • wealth management
  • financial confidence
NSW Government Financial Counselling Access to financial counselling services
Financial Planning Association Locate a qualified Financial Planner in your area
Financial Counselling Australia Access a free financial counselling service
Money Smart Tips and tools to help you make the most of your money
Investments Resources from the Australian Government about investing for the future
Gambling Help Support for anyone affected by gambling
Gambling Help Online Online support for anyone affected by gambling 
Gamblers Anonymous People share their experience strength and hope with each other

Physical Wellbeing

Physical wellbeing is your body's general condition. Achieving the best physical health requires good eating, regular exercise and good sleep.

CSCS Drugs and Alcohol Policy

Learn how Charles Sturt Campus Services manages alcohol and other drugs to protect health, wellbeing and safety.

Learn more

Alcoholics Anonymous

A fellowship supporting those recovering from alcoholism.

Learn more

National drugs campaign

This campaign, aimed at young people and parents, helps you understand the harmful effects and consequences of drug use.

Learn more

Healthdirect - drug addiction

Find information about drug abuse, drugs and the law, drug addiction and where to get help.

Learn more

CSCS Smoking in the Workplace Policy

Charles Sturt Campus Services is committed to preventing exposure to tobacco smoke in the workplace.

Learn more

Quit now

If you're trying to quit, call the Smoking Quitline on 13 78 48 (13 QUIT).

Learn more

iCanQuit

Access a free resource to help you quit smoking.

Learn more

Fitness passport

We've partnered with Fitness Passport to give you access to a range of local health and fitness suppliers.

Learn more

Blood challenge

Charles Sturt campuses compete to give the most blood donations each year.

Check out What's New for when the Bloodbank will be on your campus.

Flu vaccinations at Charles Sturt

Flu vaccines are offered on Charles Sturt University campuses.

Learn more

Sporting facilities at Charles Sturt

Many Charles Sturt campuses have sporting facilities available to all staff.

Learn more

Cycling at Charles Sturt

Learn about the benefits of cycling and find tips and motivational resources.

Learn more

Charles Sturt dental and oral health clinics

You can access treatment for a variety of dental needs.

Learn more

Charles Sturt Podiatry and Speech Pathology

You can access student-led podiatry and speech pathology services in Albury-Wodonga.

Learn more

External Resources

Cancer Council NSW

The Cancer Council has a vision of a society where lives are not cut short by cancer.

Learn more

Heart Foundation

Browse tips for healthy eating and active living.

Learn more

A good night's sleep

Visit the Healthdirect site to find out more about sleep disorders and how to overcome them.

Learn more

National Stroke Foundation

The Foundation aims to stop strokes, save lives and end suffering.

Learn more

Grievance, harassment & bullying

Workplace grievance, harassment and bullying is when a person subjects another to degrading or intimidating behaviour ranging from verbal abuse or threats to actual physical violence.  Workplace grievance, harassment and bullying will not be tolerated within the organisation or directed to workers from outside the organisation.