Written by Diplomas Student Experience Co-ordinator, Laura Swift

On Friday 27 July, Monash College Diplomas hosted their very first community fundraising event for staff and students to support Lifeline's Stress Down Day. Staff and students were encouraged to wear slippers, pyjamas or a costume to celebrate this occasion. Gold coin donations went towards raising funds for Lifeline's on-call crisis support service and each supporter enjoyed a pancake and the great atmosphere.

Freddy Peredo (Monash College and Monash University, Psychologist) talked to students about stress and how to minimise the effects of it. This event conveniently fell during the mid-trimester break, when students could have been facing some stress about study and success.

Diploma of Arts Journalism students took the opportunity to cover the event for the next edition of ‘Our Voice' student newsletter. These students interviewed Freddy and other attendees at the event to document their experience and highlight the importance of stressing down. Flashes from cameras continued during the event as journalism students responsible for the photography captured candid shots. 

Psychology student volunteers worked extremely hard leading up to the event promoting the initiative and encouraging students to purchase tickets in our major raffle draw.  Prizes for the raffle were donated by generous business owners located in the Campus Centre. Many students and staff waited eagerly to find out if they had the lucky ticket.

Congratulations to the winner of the first prize, Keith Lim, who won a $200 MSA short courses voucher.

Overall, the event raised $327.65 which will be donated directly to Lifeline in support of the fantastic work they do. A huge thank you goes to Diplomas Psychology teacher, Jo Cane, who came up with this exciting new initiative. Jo's aim in hosting the event was not only to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stress and using support services like Lifeline, but also to encourage her Psychology students to become actively involved in mental health initiatives.

A huge thank you to supporters of this event and other key staff and students who assisted with the planning and implementation of Stress Down Day. Thank you also to our supporters:

• Artichoke + Whitebait
• La Corium Health
• MSA Short Courses Centre
• MU Bookshop & Shop
• Monash College
• STA Travel
• Vodafone