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Student Support at Home

Behind the scenes of ‘The Retreat’ | Dir. Victoria Zerbst

Student Centre is here to support you to study and stay well at home.

Your student experience including creativity, connection, storytelling and wellbeing are at the forefront of what we do at AFTRS. Whilst the current COVID-19 situation is challenging, it also provides us with the opportunity to be flexible and to learn and work differently together.

We would like to remind you that AFTRS is part of the global community, and this is a global issue. AFTRS students and staff are expected to be generous, thoughtful, kind, and inclusive in your dealings with everyone.

On this page you will find some helpful information and resources to help you stay connected and supported while studying from home.

GET IN TOUCH

Can’t find what you’re looking for? It’s important we stay in touch. Our Student Centre team are available both by email and phone to discuss any additional support you may need. Please don’t hesitate to email the team on studentinfo@aftrs.edu.au to discuss your needs.

If you are going to be staying at a different location during this time, please email us with your updated address and phone number.

Studying at home

At AFTRS we have plenty of resources available to assist you with your studies at home. Here’s a list of some great resources and contacts in case you need them:

Moodle – Academic Continuity: Here you will find great resources for navigating Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Academic Continuity.

Library contact: library@AFTRS.edu.au

Poor internet connection?

If you do not have internet access at home, please email us  to discuss support options. We are also reliably informed that some of the mobile networks are also offering additional data for their customers, and we recommend checking this out if relevant to you.

Need an Extension?

Please remember extensions can be requested through Moodle.

We acknowledge that some students might have difficulty keeping up with your workloads, given the nature of the situation and depending on your quarantine/home circumstances.

Each application will be treated with care and assessed based on student needs.

Staying well at home

Our friends at Reach Out Australia have shared some great practical tips on how to stay healthy through being confined to our home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read them here: Coping through Coronavirus

We particularly recommend also looking at their suggested 10 Ways to Take Care of yourself during Coronavirus.

Staying supported at home

Australian Government Payments
Students who are currently on Youth Allowance for students, Austudy and ABSTUDY are eligible for additional support from the Australian Government.

In most cases this will automatically be added to your current Centrelink payments, and may include:

  • A temporary fortnightly $550 Coronavirus Supplement from 27 April 2020. The supplement will be an extra $550 a fortnight on top of your normal payment rate. (This is to assist students who have lost their jobs, but it is paid regardless of whether you were previously working or not).
  • The first $750 Economic Support Payment from 31 March 2020, if you’re getting an eligible payment on any day from 12 March to 13 April 2020 you will receive the $750.
  • A second $750 Economic Support Payment from 13 July 2020 if you’re getting an eligible payment or have an eligible concession card on 10 July 2020.
  • Expanding eligibility for some payments and making them easier to claim

To check your eligibility and apply, or for more information please visit Services Australia.

Financial Hardship
We are aware that many of you have had disruption to your work and income. Just to remind you that the school has a hardship fund that can be accessed through Student Centre, and this has been further supported to cope with the current situation. To apply for financial assistance please complete and return the form located here.

Safe Conversation Officers
Safe Conversation Officers (SCOs) are a network of specially trained staff who will listen to you and help you access information about support. They are not counsellors but can provide an appropriate initial response to your concerns and guide you to the right services. Click here for a list of current SCOs.

AFTRS Counselling
AFTRS students are able to access free and confidential counselling through Student Centre. Students can self-refer. Counselling can help students with issues such as managing mental health, stress, anxiety, conflict, and more.

Contact Student Centre by emailing studentinfo@aftrs.edu.au to request counselling support.

Counselling sessions are available on-site, as well as virtually (video and phone).

Crisis Telephone and Counselling Services
If you require immediate support you can contact the following for free, confidential and anonymous support:

NSW Mental Health Line (24 hour): 1800 011 511

Lifeline (24 hour): 13 11 14

Additional Resources:
Beyond Blue
Headspace
Black Dog Institute
Head to Health

Useful information on COVID-19

In addition to the below list of resources, you can also download the official government Coronavirus Australia app in the Apple App Store or Google Play, or join the WhatsApp channel on iOS or Android to get connected with the latest information and access to services including Telehealth.