1.Providing Students with Access to Mental Health Support

In alignment with SDG 3’s mission to promote well-being and ensure healthy lives, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU) has implemented a range of mental health support initiatives designed to actively promote mental wellness and provide free access to mental health resources for students. These efforts create a supportive campus environment that addresses both preventive and responsive mental health needs, ensuring students have the resources and assistance they need to thrive.

One significant initiative is the “Mental Health Check-In” program. This event invites students and faculty members alike to regularly assess their mental well-being, asking questions such as, “How are you feeling today? Are you tired? Are you okay?” This program, held in partnership with the Student Affairs Office and Mental Health Center Region 13, aims to foster a supportive environment where individuals can reflect on and prioritize their mental health. Through these simple yet impactful check-ins, BSRU encourages students to openly discuss mental well-being, providing accessible pathways to further care and guidance when needed.

The BSRU Counselling Center was established to provide dedicated consultation, support, and assistance to students, faculty, and staff experiencing emotional, psychological, or physical distress. The center aims to promote mental well-being through professional mental health counseling services tailored to individual needs. Staffed with specialists in mental health, the center offers expert guidance on a range of concerns, ensuring confidential and compassionate care. In addition, the center fosters peer-to-peer activities, creating a supportive community where students can share experiences, build resilience, and strengthen their emotional health.

The “Depth of Mind” project is an educational initiative aimed at raising awareness about depression among high school students. Held at Wat Phutthabucha School and Wat Songtham School, the activity was inaugurated by school directors and supported in collaboration with the Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health. Led by Dr. Kotchawan Ploytabtim, a specialist in school mental health, the program provided students with valuable knowledge about depression, its signs, and prevention strategies. In addition to informative sessions, the event featured interactive and relaxing activities, including musical performances by second-year students, fostering a positive and engaging learning environment. This project reflects BSRU’s commitment to mental health promotion, community engagement, and experiential learning.

In March 2024, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU), in collaboration with Taksin Hospital and the Office of Student Affairs, organized a comprehensive health screening program aimed at promoting wellness and preventing disease among its community. The two-day event, held on March 21–22, provided screenings for risks of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, as well as checks for drug use, depression, and HIV. In addition, students born between 2003 and 2012 received free HPV vaccinations, supporting efforts to protect against preventable cancers. This initiative reflects BSRU’s strong commitment to advancing SDG 3 by fostering health promotion and disease prevention for both students and staff, ensuring a safe and supportive campus environment.

BSRU also prioritizes building student-led mental health support networks. On February 28, 2024, the Division of Student Affairs, in collaboration with the Mental Health Center Region 13, participated in a workshop on developing student leaders through the Youth Counselor (YC) program in Bangkok. The event was attended by Assistant Professor Cherdsiri Nilphai, Deputy Director of Student Affairs, along with staff members and representatives of the Student Council, including student leader Mr. Parames Phutphueakphong. The workshop aimed to enhance knowledge and practical skills for supporting peers, strengthening the university’s capacity to provide timely and effective mental health assistance for students across the Bangkok university network.

On December 15, 2024, BSRU organized a life-skills training program for third-year students, designed to prepare them for their upcoming professional practice. A key component of the program was dedicated to mental health care, featuring lectures and interactive sessions on stress management and mental health assessment. Led by Assistant Professor Cherdsiri Nilphai, Deputy Director of the Student Affairs Division, and his team, the sessions aimed to help students recognize signs of stress, strengthen their resilience, and adopt healthy coping strategies. By integrating mental health awareness into life-skills development, the program supported students’ overall well-being and readiness for the challenges of both academic and professional life.

Through these varied initiatives, BSRU has established a comprehensive support system that promotes mental well-being across campus. By offering resources, workshops, and direct access to mental health professionals, BSRU ensures that students can find the support they need to maintain a balanced, healthy lifestyle. The university’s commitment to mental health aligns directly with SDG 3’s goal of fostering healthy lives and well-being, creating an inclusive and caring academic community.

BSRU also organizes seminars to promote student mental health. On March 8, 2024, the university hosted “Gaslighting: Recognize and Protect Yourself from Painful Relationships”, led by clinical psychologist Mr. Puriphat Pitakkorn. The seminar explored the types and effects of gaslighting, coping strategies, and warning signs of unhealthy relationships, equipping students with essential knowledge to safeguard their mental well-being.

For more information:

“Don’t worry, we can talk” Competition 

“Good Health and Well-being: Identifying and Managing Toxic Relationships”

Mental health workshop organized by the Bangkok Mental Health Institute

Mental Health Check-In

 

2.Providing Employees and staff members with Access to Mental Health Support

Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU) demonstrates a strong commitment to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being through a range of initiatives aimed at supporting the mental health of its students, faculty, and staff. Each program contributes to an inclusive environment where mental health is prioritized and resources are accessible to all, promoting a supportive community focused on well-being.

One of the university’s cornerstone initiatives is the Mental Health Check-In Program, which has been recently expanded to apply on staff to engage in meaningful self-reflection, asking questions like “How are you feeling today?” and “Are you okay?” This check-in approach creates a safe space where mental health is openly discussed and valued, fostering a campus culture where support is both readily available and actively promoted.

BSRU continues to prioritize the well-being of its faculty and staff through free annual health screenings. On August 30, 2024, the university organized a comprehensive check-up event that included both physical and mental health assessments, allowing participants to proactively monitor their wellness. Conducted in collaboration with Mahidol University’s Faculty of Medical Technology, the initiative reinforced the importance of preventive care and health promotion in creating a supportive academic environment.

BSRU also supports the mental well-being of its faculty and staff through mindfulness-based health promotion. From March 29–31, 2024, the Office of the President’s Human Resources Division organized a “Mindfulness for Workplace Happiness” program at Diamond Hill Resort in Nakhon Ratchasima. The training, attended by 50 faculty and staff members, introduced practical techniques such as stress-relief breathing exercises, mindfulness for concentration, and strategies to address workplace fatigue and burnout. By fostering greater awareness of both physical and mental health, this initiative emphasized the role of mindfulness in building a healthier and more productive working environment.

On February 28, 2024, the Office of Academic Affairs and Registration at Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University organized the “Holistic Health Care: The Way to Happiness and Success” seminar, focusing on promoting the mental well-being of university staff. Led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kanokorn Sawangcharoen, Acting President of BSRU, and featuring health care expert Chalaikorn Warasitthinon as a speaker, the event emphasized the importance of maintaining both physical and mental health. Key topics included mindful eating habits, balanced exercise incorporating cardio, weight training, and stretching, as well as the importance of adequate rest and quality sleep. By integrating these holistic practices, the initiative sought to enhance staff mental resilience, foster a healthier workplace, and ultimately contribute to a positive organizational environment that supports overall success.

From March 7 to 9, 2024, the Office of Academic Affairs and Registration at Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University organized the “Teamwork and Building Companionship in an Organization by Restoring the Marine Ecosystem” program at Taloo Island Resort, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. This holistic staff development initiative combined mental well-being, environmental stewardship, and team-building activities to strengthen organizational relationships. The program featured three main activities: first, a “Caring for the Mind” workshop led by psychiatrist Dr. Chanon Sirikul and professional nurse Arunsee Chanphuak, focusing on self-awareness, ten principles for mental wellness, mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and yoga breathing exercises; second, a marine ecosystem restoration activity guided by marine resource expert Sanya Srimala, which included coral planting and sea-turtle pond cleaning to raise awareness of environmental responsibility; and third, interactive team-building games designed to foster cooperation and camaraderie. By integrating mental health care, environmental engagement, and teamwork, the initiative underscored the importance of holistic staff well-being in driving both personal and organizational success.

The Office of Academic Affairs and Registration at Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University also organizes training programs to promote staff well-being and mental health. On Tuesday, June 4, 2024, it held “Service Mind” at Building 7, 5th floor — a program designed to enhance personnel skills for providing excellent service while fostering a healthy workplace mindset. Led by Dr. Jompon Jeebpinyo, a psychology trainer specializing in mindset, communication, and leadership, the training focused on attitude adjustment for service providers and strategies for coping with toxic interactions.

The seminar introduced two key mindsets:

  1. Inward Mindset – individuals highly focused on themselves, viewing others as obstacles, tools, or irrelevant, likened to a “RED” mindset.
  2. Outward Mindset – individuals with strong self-awareness who value others, uphold honour, and prioritise collective goals, likened to a “BLUE” mindset, further divided into Soft (reasonable, fair, maintaining) and Hard (unreasonable, patronising, enhancing).

By strengthening these mindsets, staff can not only improve the quality of service they provide but also support their own mental well-being, fostering a healthier and more respectful work environment. As the training concluded: “At the end of the day, serve others in the way you want to be served too.”

Through these diverse initiatives, BSRU actively promotes mental well-being and ensures that resources are accessible and widely publicized, establishing the university as a proactive and supportive environment for mental health.

Categories

Governance Policy & Capacity Building