Navigating Complex Mental Health Challenges in Residential Accommodation
Tracks
Stream 2
| Thursday, August 8, 2024 |
| 10:05 AM - 10:50 AM |
| Crystal 2 |
Overview
Andrea Rohde, Flinders Living
Sally Cassidy, St Mark's College
Details
Approximately 1 in 5 people will experience mental ill health annually, with university students displaying slightly higher rates. In the student accommodation context, it is inevitable that residents will face mental health challenges, some of which can be particularly complex. These challenges may manifest as reckless or impulsive behaviour, excessive substance use, difficulties in personal relationships, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. Such behaviours can profoundly affect the individual, their peers, Residential Advisors, staff, and the wider community.
Sally and Andrea, experienced Social Workers specialising in counselling and mental health, will lead this session. They will delve into the nuances of managing complex mental health issues in student accommodations, outlining effective strategies, common dilemmas, and critical considerations. The discussion will extend to preventive measures, early intervention, and fostering a supportive community environment. The session aims to equip participants with practical insights and tools to effectively navigate the intricacies of mental health care in residential settings.
Speaker
Ms Sally Cassidy
Director Of Wellbeing
St Marks College
Navigating Complex Mental Health Challenges in Residential Accommodation
Abstract Overview
Approximately 1 in 5 people will experience mental ill health annually, with university students displaying slightly higher rates. In the student accommodation context, it is inevitable that residents will face mental health challenges, some of which can be particularly complex. These challenges may manifest as reckless or impulsive behaviour, excessive substance use, difficulties in personal relationships, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. Such behaviours can profoundly affect the individual, their peers, Residential Advisors, staff, and the wider community.
Sally and Andrea, experienced Social Workers specialising in counselling and mental health, will lead this session. They will delve into the nuances of managing complex mental health issues in student accommodations, outlining effective strategies, common dilemmas, and critical considerations. The discussion will extend to preventive measures, early intervention, and fostering a supportive community environment. The session aims to equip participants with practical insights and tools to effectively navigate the intricacies of mental health care in residential settings.
Sally and Andrea, experienced Social Workers specialising in counselling and mental health, will lead this session. They will delve into the nuances of managing complex mental health issues in student accommodations, outlining effective strategies, common dilemmas, and critical considerations. The discussion will extend to preventive measures, early intervention, and fostering a supportive community environment. The session aims to equip participants with practical insights and tools to effectively navigate the intricacies of mental health care in residential settings.
Biography
Sally Cassidy serves as the Director of Wellbeing at St Mark's College, a role she assumed in late 2022. With nearly two decades of specialised experience in mental health social work, her career has encompassed key positions in mental health care, forensic services, and university counselling.
Sally's journey began in Far North Queensland, where she worked with homeless youth at Youthlink and as a Community Corrections Officer. She then spent ten years in the UK, significantly enhancing her expertise as a registered senior social worker focused on mental health from 2004 to 2012. Returning to Australia, Sally joined the University of Adelaide’s Counselling Support service in 2015, where she handled complex cases as a Complex Case Counsellor and briefly acted as Team Manager in 2022.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies and Politics and a Bachelor of Social Work from Flinders University. Her academic pursuits continued in the UK, where she earned postgraduate qualifications in social work practice and advanced mental health practice. As a certified Mental Health First Aid trainer since 2017, Sally has been instrumental in developing and leading comprehensive training programs. Her dedication to suicide prevention is evident in her contribution to the development of "Responding to Suicide: A Toolkit for Australian Universities."
Ms Andrea Rohde
Deputy Principal
Flinders Living
Navigating Complex Mental Health Challenges in Residential Accommodation
Abstract Overview
Approximately 1 in 5 people will experience mental ill health annually, with university students displaying slightly higher rates. In the student accommodation context, it is inevitable that residents will face mental health challenges, some of which can be particularly complex. These challenges may manifest as reckless or impulsive behaviour, excessive substance use, difficulties in personal relationships, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. Such behaviours can profoundly affect the individual, their peers, Residential Advisors, staff, and the wider community.
Sally and Andrea, experienced Social Workers specialising in counselling and mental health, will lead this session. They will delve into the nuances of managing complex mental health issues in student accommodations, outlining effective strategies, common dilemmas, and critical considerations. The discussion will extend to preventive measures, early intervention, and fostering a supportive community environment. The session aims to equip participants with practical insights and tools to effectively navigate the intricacies of mental health care in residential settings.
Sally and Andrea, experienced Social Workers specialising in counselling and mental health, will lead this session. They will delve into the nuances of managing complex mental health issues in student accommodations, outlining effective strategies, common dilemmas, and critical considerations. The discussion will extend to preventive measures, early intervention, and fostering a supportive community environment. The session aims to equip participants with practical insights and tools to effectively navigate the intricacies of mental health care in residential settings.
Biography
Andrea is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and is the Deputy Principal at Flinders Living, the on campus residential accommodation for Flinders University students. Andrea has worked at Flinders Living for 6 years, managing pastoral care, the development of programs, and contributing to policy and direction in areas including mental health, wellbeing, disability and student success within the division and the broader University. Prior to Flinders Living, she worked as a counsellor in the tertiary sector, as well with rape and sexual assault, family therapy and victim support services. She has considerable experience in Equal Opportunity, providing advice and support to students reporting discrimination, harassment or bullying, as well as advising Senior Management of trends and policy implications. Andrea is an accredited Mental Health First Aid trainer and MATE Bystander Program instructor.
