What is mutual aid?

A mutual aid system is where members of a community voluntarily collaborate to provide for each other’s needs. It is different from other support systems like government support, charities etc.. It is non-hierarchal and there are no set ‘givers’ or ‘takers’ which affords people flexibility and makes it adjustable to change. Mutual aid aims to support people to have what they need, when they need it. It fosters a caring, abundant and connected community.

What can I get from the mutual aid system?

What is available at the mutual aid system depends on what has been gifted by the community and fluctuations in usage. You could find anything there! However, the types of items that are commonly available are:

• Non-perishable snacks, meals and pantry staples
• Toiletries, menstrual products and contraception
• General household items, including kitchenware, cleaning products and toilet paper

You can access the mutual aid system as often as you like, and take as much as you like!

How can I access the mutual aid system?

Mutual aid can be found in the ANUSA foyer. It is accessible to all students from 8am-8pm weekdays during the teaching period. You can give and take as much as you want, as often as you want. It is anonymous and unmonitored. If you need assistance, there will always be a Brian Kenyon Student Space (BKSS) staff member around for you to chat with!

We are eagerly accepting any and all donations! You can donate anything you like, as long as it is not perishable, broken or otherwise unsafe or unusable. You can leave any donations on the shelves for other students to pick up.

If you have any questions, please approach a BKSS staff member who will be around 8am-8pm weekdays during teaching periods or send an email to sa.welfareofficer@anu.edu.au