WELLBEING & SAFETY

AMPA wishes for all students to feel happy and safe. In most cases, should you need help with orientation, further study or accommodation, you should consult the Student Services Officers who are generally the first contact for overseas students as they adjust to life in Australia and seek to resolve study issues.

We have provided information below on a range of resources and assistance available to students.

• Safety on Campus
• Mental Wellbeing
• Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault
• COVID-19
• Cyber Safety
• Other Resources
   

Safety on Campus

Australia is generally a very safe and welcoming place to live and study, consistently ranking among the safest countries in the world. However, the same general cautions apply in Australian cities as in the rest of the world. Following your common sense and best practices will help to ensure you remain safe and healthy.

Below are some guidelines and tips on how to stay safe:

• Keep your contact details up to date in Paradigm so alerts can be sent to your mobile in the event of an on-campus emergency.
• Always take care when walking at night
• be aware of your surroundings, especially while on your mobile phone
• try to avoid isolated areas and walk with other people rather than by yourself
• walk along well-lit streets and main roads
• When walking around Sydney watch out for traffic and use designated road crossings. Never cross a road while using headphones or a mobile phone
• Do not carry large amounts of money and take care to keep your belongings with you at all times, including your wallet, purse, handbag, shopping, phone and laptop.
• When travelling on the train at night, sit close to the guard's compartment indicated with a blue light on the train.
• If you have a medical condition or disability that could impact on your health or safety on campus, please disclose this confidentially to Student Support staff
• If you notice a safety hazard on campus contact administration on 02 9310 3111

In an emergency - call triple zero (000)

You should call 000 if you need urgent help from police, fire or ambulance services, where:

• someone is seriously injured or in need of urgent medical help
• your life or property is being threatened
• you have just witnessed a serious accident or crime
   

Mental Wellbeing

Confidential Counselling Service:

AMPA offers a professional counselling service. Please speak to the Academic Support Officer (Dr. Elizabeth Jones) if you would like to be referred to a counsellor. We also encourage the use of Headspace, which provides GP and psychology services (among others) to individuals aged between 12-25, for an affordable fee, which may be negotiable in some circumstances. If you are in need additional or urgent support, you can also contact Kids Help Line on 1800 55 1800 (if you are under 25) or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

There are many ways to support you in your mental health and wellbeing, and to help you navigate life's challenges. Choose the support pathway that works best for you.

Lifeline

24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention.

Ph: 13 11 14

Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au/

beyondblue
Mental health support.
Ph: 1300 224 636
Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Headspace
Supports young people aged between 12 and 25 years of age.
Ph: 1800 650890
Website: https://headspace.org.au/ 

Kid's Helpline
Counselling service for those aged between 5 and 25 years of age.
Ph: 1800 55 1800
Website: https://kidshelpline.com.au/

If you require support in any other areas and are unsure of where to go, please speak to the Executive Dean or Administration who will be happy to point you in the right direction.
 

Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment

Every student and staff member has the right to feel safe and be treated with respect. AMPA maintains a zero tolerance approach for sexual assault, harassment (including sexual) and bullying, and expects all of our staff and students to behave in a manner that is respectful, inclusive and fair. Our Code of Conduct together with policiesclearly outline staff and student responsibilities.

Please refer to the Student Handbook for policies and procedures including:

• Sexual Harassment Policy
• Child Protection & Student Welfare Policy
• Student Code of Conduct

Contact

Emergencies: If you or anyone you know is in immediate danger, please call the police on 000 in Australia, or your local emergency services line outside of Australia.

For support and to speak to a trauma-trained counsellor, please contact:

The National Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service (1800 RESPECT): 1800 737 732 (24 hours a day / 7 days a week)

NSW Sexual Violence Helplineon 1800 424 017

Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 1800 806 292

Support is available 24/7 and online counselling options are available.

To report a sexual assault or sexual harassment incident to AMPA or for further information, please contact Student Services on (02) 9310 3111.

Please see the Mental Wellbeing section above for further support and counselling services.
 

COVID-19

AMPA campuses are safe places to learn, work and visit. There are simple steps we all need to follow to be COVID-Safe, as outlined below.

• Please stay up to date with the latest NSW Government advice
• If you have tested positive to COVID-19, stay home for 3 days and until your acute symptoms have gone
• If you are at higher risk of severe illness, speak with your doctor as soon as you test positive
• Advise Student Services if you have tested positive to COVID-19
   

Cyber Safety

The internet is an incredible resource available to us all, however there are also a range of safety and security risks associated with its use. These include threats to our privacy and online identities, security of personal data and exposure to offensive and illegal content and behaviour.

The following resources from the Australian Government’s eSafety Commissioner are designed to help university students understand the types of online abuse and how to take action to prevent and respond to online safety incidents:

• Online Safety 101
• Online Safety – Advice for women
• Guide for students – responding to cyber abuse
• Adapting to the world online
• Guide to managing time online
   

Other Resources

Other external wellbeing resources that AMPA recommends: