New Mental Health Initiatives at Southern Cross University: ‘Health University’ and a ‘Mental Health Action Plan’

Abstract

The philosophy and principles of the World Health Organisation (WHO) state that ‘Health is created and lived by people within the settings of their everyday life; where they learn, work, play and love’. In response to this philosophy, the WHO in Europe and the UK have set up programs based on a ‘settings approach’ such as Healthy Schools, Healthy Workplaces and Healthy Cities. This year Southern Cross University has embraced the initiation of a similar program ‘Healthy University’ (HU); under the direction of the School of Health and Human Sciences, Chaired by Professor Iain Graham, Dean of Health and Coordinated by Dr Ann Mulder.