As we approach September, Aotearoa New Zealand’s Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) is from 23 to 29 September 2024. We encourage our community to focus on the key role mental health plays in our wellbeing.

We are offering a range of events to support our diverse community to get involved, try something new and connect with others.

September 23: Meditation / Breathwork, Waiutuutu Community Garden

Join us for a calming meditation and breathwork session in the serene surroundings of Waiutuutu Community Garden. This session is designed to help you relax, de-stress, and connect with your inner peace. All are welcome!

September 23-29: 5 Ways of Wellbeing Group Fitness Challenge, UC Rec Centre

Embrace the 5 Ways of Wellbeing with our group fitness challenge at the UC Rec Centre. Engage in various activities that promote physical, mental, and social wellbeing. Gather your friends and join the challenge to boost your overall health and wellbeing.

September 23-29: Chair Massage, Library Puaka-James Hight

Take a break from your studies and enjoy a soothing chair massage at the Library Puaka-James Hight. Our professional masseurs will help alleviate stress and tension, leaving you refreshed and revitalised.

September 23-29: Open Gym, UC Rec & Sport

Enjoy open access to the gym facilities at UC Rec & Sport throughout the week. Whether you’re looking to lift weights, do cardio, or participate in group classes, our gym is open for all students and staff to use.

September 24-29: Run72, C-Block Lawn

Participate in the Run72 event on C-Block Lawn. Whether you’re an avid runner or just looking to get some exercise, this event is a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. Sign up and walk or run at your own pace throughout the week.

September 24 & 25: Cultural Narrative Campus Tour, Ilam Campus

Experience the rich cultural heritage of our campus with the Cultural Narrative Campus Tours happening at 11am and 2pm. Learn about the history, stories, and significance of various landmarks on the Ilam Campus.

Preregister here – https://forms.office.com/r/XjGAv8Lu8g

September 25: Community Lunch, Rehua Community Hub

For Mental Health Awareness week the University Chaplaincy is running their regular community lunch in the Community Hub Space on Level 1 of Rehua Wednesday 25th Sept 12.30-1.30pm. It’s free, vegetarian, gluten free, and dairy optional. It’s an opportunity to sit down and connect, rather than grab-and-run, so if that sounds like what you’re hungry for then we’d love to meet you!

September 26: Take a Mate to a Cafe

UCSA Cafes

Turn up at the cafe counter with your mate and get 2 hot drinks for the price of one! From 10am to 12 Noon at the UCSA cafes on campus.

Valid for any sized hot drinks* – the cheapest order is the free one.

Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers. Only valid 25 September 2024 till 12 noon while stocks last.

*Additional cost for Milk alternatives & syrups

Ancestral at Canty

Turn up at the cafe counter with your mate and get 2 Bubble Teas (any size/any flavour) for the price of one! From opening to 12 Noon at Ancestral® café at Ernest Rutherford

Valid for any Bubble Tea* – the cheapest order is the free one. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers. Only valid 25 September 2024 till 12 noon.

*Additional cost for Milk alternatives & syrups

September 26: Kava Session and Talanoa, Undercroft 101

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, UC Pacific are hosting a talanoa centred around kava and the value it has in building community and a safe space for pacific people from 1pm-3pm.

September 27: Disc Golf, Ilam Campus and UC Rec Centre

Get active with our sport event featuring Disc Golf (or Pickleball if its a rainy day at Ilam Campus) and UC Rec Centre.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, these fun and engaging sports are a great way to stay fit and have fun.

https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/life/sports-fitness-and-recreation/uc-reccentre/reccentre-facilities/uc-disc-golf

September 27: Garden Working Bee, Waiutuutu Community Garden

Join us for a Garden Working Bee at Waiutuutu Community Garden. Roll up your sleeves and help with various gardening tasks, meet new people, and contribute to the upkeep of this beautiful community space.

Find out how you can get involved and what else is on

On the UCSA website or through our socials