Tate Papworth
Victoria University has found a unique way to support the mental health and wellbeing of hundreds of staff members and students during lockdown.
As COVID-19 took hold in early March, Victoria University moved swiftly to ensure the safety, mental health and wellbeing of staff and students remained a number one priority.
From there, the Elevenses Program was born.
Each week day, Professor Alex Parker, a clinical psychologist and researcher in the Institute for Health and Sport delivers the VU Elevenses Program to staff and students.
It’s a 15 minute online session focusing on a range of topics with only one aim: to improve the wellbeing of participants.
Each session is developed in collaboration with university experts in the field of psychology, physical activity, and mental health.
The name was inspired by Michael Bond’s famous Paddington Bear, who enjoyed daily 11am chats with his friend Mr Gruber.
While the title of the program is whimsical, the initiative has successfully impacted the audience in profound ways.
“We know that the program has significantly reduced participant’s experience of depression, anxiety and stress,” Professor Parker said.
“The sessions are made up of mini-interventions and strategies to help people manage and maintain wellbeing during this pandemic.
“We focus on ways to nurture ourselves and our loved ones, how to better manage such a massive disruption and most importantly, how to avoid being overwhelmed during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Now, as Victorians are in stage four lockdown, the first episodes of the VU Elevenses Program are free and available for sharing, with more added each week.
To view the catalogue of videos visit: www.youtube.com/channel/UCMIjlnRsZJDp26HQy8oZCbQ
