Wellbeing initiatives for students

In the current climate, the mental and physical health of students is our highest priority. In this article, we share some wellbeing initiatives recently undertaken by our institutes, above and beyond the mandatory government requirements.

Melbourne wellbeing sessions

From August, Melbourne campus will be piloting a series of remote Wellbeing sessions to give students extra support beyond the classroom. Each session will be tailored to meet the needs of a small group of 10 students, with extra individual sessions available if requested.

The Wellbeing sessions will be hosted by the Student Services Manager, and intend to provide a safe, confidential space for students to share any concerns. The session will include self-esteem building exercises, time for open discussion, mindfulness exercises, mental health tips, strategies to manage change, and general wellbeing tips.

Brisbane study buddies

In Term 3 2020, Brisbane campus launched a Study Buddy program with a group of 6 continuing students who volunteered to assist new students settle into Le Cordon Bleu Brisbane. The Study Buddies organised a Meet & Greet session for new students during orientation, took them on a virtual tour of campus, and were available during the entire first term to answer questions, provide assistance or just chat.

Study Buddies organise social activities for new and continuing students to increase a sense of belonging and build a student community. This is a new project and only at trial stage, however it has been a successful initiative so far.

Sydney support measures

Sydney campus counsellors offer drop-in online sessions for all students at scheduled times to ask questions or simply chat. Counsellors are currently assisting students via phone consultations with limited ‘face to face’ appointments. Any face-to-face appointments are conducted using social distancing and other hygiene measures. Counsellors have continued to support our students following the move to online augmented face to face delivery.

Adelaide communicates care

Student Services staff created a new video for students to reassure, inform and support them especialliy during these challenging times. Adelaide campus provides regular updates and national communication informing students of the impact of the pandemic nationwide on their Le Cordon Bleu study programmes, with updates regarding visa/government changes, and available services.