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Whether you like to exercise or not, it’s hard to deny the benefits of being active. Not only is regular activity beneficial for our physical health, but UWA Health and Wellbeing Officer Kirrily Robson is spreading the word that our mental health can also be positively impacted.

The trained occupational therapist has been the Health and Wellbeing Officer since February after joining UWA in 2013 as an Injury Management Consultant.

“I oversee the UWA staff health and wellbeing program. I started my career in occupational rehab but my current role really aligns with my own personal interests and I’m passionate about helping staff be more active.

“We have a whole range of initiatives available on campus to encourage activity and wellness and it has been great to see staff participation in these increasing,” she says.

Kirrily says one focus this year has been on mental health and the UWA Activity Challenge is a great example of how being active has benefits far beyond increased fitness.

“Our goal was to encourage staff and students to reach 10,000 steps a day. However it was also a great opportunity to increase staff social connections and interaction.

“For example the walking group proved really popular and brought people together from around the whole campus and even though the challenge ended in September the group is still going strong.

“We’ve received great feedback about how a simple lunchtime walk and a bit of a chat can really refresh the mind for an afternoon back at the desk,” she says.

UWA’s comprehensive staff health and wellbeing program offers a range of initiatives and Kirrily says the website is always up-to-date with what’s on offer.

“Another way to stay informed is through our newsletter which anyone can subscribe to by sending us an email .”

With a passion for bringing health and wellbeing to the workplace it’s no surprise Kirrily’s favourite day of the working year is Staff Sports Day .

“The day incorporates physical activity and social engagement which really are at the cornerstone of the work I do.

“It’s a great opportunity to get out from behind our desks, mix together in a casual setting and get a bit of exercise on our beautiful campus,” Kirrily says.

Practicing what she preaches, Kirrily leads an active lifestyle and especially loves surfing, cycling, yoga and snowboarding. She’s also a pretty handy runner and won the 2014 VC Dash so watch out for her on 11 November!

You can register for Staff Sports Day here .