Carnival takes stress away
World Mental Health Day at Massey University was all about having fun and connecting with other students.
Massey University Students’ Association and Radio Control held a carnival on campus on Wednesday, where they put on games and gave away food and prizes.
The focus was on getting students to have a good time, rather than worry about the stress of study and money.
Association advocacy coordinator Kerry Howe said they have previously had guest speakers like Mike King, a comedian and mental health advocate, but went for something different this year.
‘‘We thought what better way than to have the students out in the fresh air having fun,’’ Howe said. The carnival was run by volunteers and everything was handmade, including the ring toss with beer crate bottles and pallets.
There was also a fortune teller’s grotto, mini golf, face painting, archery and a coconut shy, as well as prizes.
Howe said one of the biggest problems students faced was financial stress. ‘‘If they fail they’ve used the money and are letting their family down. That’s a big thing for international students.
‘‘Also the financial stress that’s also brought on by the accommodation crisis we’re facing – and there are high rents. That’s why we thought it was important to have everything here free.’’