Student Well-being
Community Spotlight: Year Prep Community
Focus: 2:00 pm Check-Ins, Show and Tell
Over our time in lockdown, we have been using our Wellbeing time to take a moment to catch up with each other, have a chat and have some fun! One thing our Preps look forward to each week is Show and Tell. So of course in lockdown, we have to keep it going!
From toys to pets or creations made during the lockdown, it has been wonderful to listen to the children share their special belongings with their classmates. It gives the children a moment to have the spotlight on them and ‘be the teacher.’ They love asking each other questions about their belongings and choosing someone who they think has been a ‘good listener.’ We love playing Simon Says too!
We also love to get up and dance during our Wellbeing live meets. We often speak about how it is important to get up and move because we are doing a lot of work on the computer while learning from home. Our favourites would have to be The Floor is Lava, Tooty Ta and the Freeze Dance!
#ChatStarter
Conversations play an important role in recognising when someone is going through a difficult time and connecting them to the right type of care.
While we all like to have conversations in different ways, talking to someone about what’s challenging us can be difficult.
#ChatStarter was developed by the National Mental Health Commission in partnership with parents and young people who have experience of mental health challenges and Australia’s national mental health organisations - ReachOut, Butterfly Foundation, Orygen, batyr, headspace, Beyond Blue and Kids Helpline.
Having a small chat can make a big difference. The easy-to-use tips and resources below have been developed by mental health clinicians to help build your confidence and capability to support a friend or loved one who may be experiencing distress or a mental health challenge today.
Before having a chat
Before starting a conversation, ask yourself what support you have in place for yourself:
- Are you doing OK?
It is important that you prioritise your own mental health before helping others.
- Do you have someone you can talk to if a conversation has been challenging?
It’s absolutely OK to seek support, in fact it is essential.
Then think about the person or people you are going to chat with:
- Have you noticed a change in their behaviour?
- Have you noticed a change in their mood?
- Do they have support people around them?
- What do they like to do in their spare time?
Here are some #ChatStarter ideas - why not try them out?
Walk & Talk
Walking and talking can break down barriers and help people feel less confronted than chatting face-to-face.
Yarn & Learn
Storytelling can help us understand what people are going through. You might like to yarn with elders or friends about your experiences and how you’re feeling. You could yarn with members of your household or virtually with others you trust.
Drive & Debrief
Going for a short drive with someone, or taking them for a drive if they’re not up for it, can provide a short-term escape and provide the opportunity for uninterrupted conversation and a place to calm down or clear heads.
Bake & Bond
Keeping our hands busy can help someone feel more comfortable in having conversations about challenges. If your child or friend likes baking, encourage them to choose a recipe to make together.
Relate over Reels
Young people enjoy watching content they relate to - this includes reels and videos on social media. They might share links with you that can help you understand what they’re going through that can help guide conversation. Alternatively, you can sit down and watch some videos together which may help the conversation flow.
Create & Connect
This is just for fun - what we draw, write, paint, cook, dance, capture and play can help give insights into someone's experiences. Try photography – why not go bush? Go outside to the backyard or the park nearby if possible and spend time taking photos. You don't need a special camera to capture beautiful colours, textures and reflections.
Dance & Download
Dancing is a great way to express yourself. You, your family, elders, friends or anyone in your household might like to pick some songs and dance. If you're in different households, a video call to dance and move is a great alternative to face to face when restrictions are tight.
Stretch & Reflect
Stretching and self-reflecting can spark insight, which can alter the way we see ourselves and those around us.
Celebrate & Share
Celebrate the small things together, a home-cooked meal, a friendly message from a friend, a smile or even a wave from the neighbour, or anything that makes you feel good.
DIY & Decompress
Remember that cool cupboard you wanted to build? Ask your parents or siblings to give you a hand at starting a DIY project to focus your mind on.
For more information on #ChatStarter please visit https://www.headtohealth.gov.au/covid-19-support/chatstarter
Take care and stay safe,
Lauren Borg
Student Well-being Leader