Student Services : Wellbeing 

Mental Health Week- Wrap Up

During Week 2 and Week 3, the Student Services Wellbeing Team hosted its annual Mental Health Week event. This year, celebrating Mental Health Week was more important than ever as we’ve seen how heavily the current events of the world are impacting all of us. 

On Monday, we had Neo, Hugo and Bailey from Paws in Schools come visit our students and staff for a moment to ‘paws’ in our school day for a pat. Thanks to their handlers who also joined us and allowed our students to soak in puppy cuddles during the day. 

On Tuesday and Wednesday, we hosted Northcote’s very first Silent Disco event. The vibes were high as students flicked through 3 different music playlists and had a boogie during lunch time. We were thrilled to host this event over two days as word clearly spread and it was busier than we ever imagined it to be. The Library team also hosted some mindfulness activities such as origami and crafts for those who preferred a more creative outlet.

On Thursday we cooked up a storm with our Pancake Day. Students were invited for a pancake and toppings at lunch time, and to peruse the Community Services Stall held in C1. Big shout out to Headspace, YSAS, Youth Projects, Darebin Youth Services and the Youth Resource Officer for coming down to set up and tell our school community about what services they offer locally.

We finally held our Bubble Tea Stall last week to fundraise for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. We raised nearly $500 and received a few donations of non-perishable goods which we will pass over very shortly!

We’re still feeling the highs of the last week and hope our school community had as much of a blast as we did, in the name of raising awareness for mental health!

Headspace: Autistic Art Group

Explore a range of art materials in a relaxing and fun environment. No art experience necessary & all materials are provided! This group is facilitated by Different Journeys and headspace Greensborough staff wanting to create a safe and supported space. You are welcome to bring your own sensory toys, headphones, and iPad/tablet device to this group.

Who's invited? Young people aged 12 to 18

Where? headspace Greensborough - Level 1, 78 Main Street, Greensborough VIC 3088

When? Monday 6 November - 4:00pm to 5:30pm

Monday 13 November - 4:00pm to 5:30pm

Monday 20 November - 4:00pm to 5:30pm

Monday 27 November - 4:00pm to 5:30pm

Cost? Free!

Register hereor via QR code in flyer below.

Family Information Events/Workshops

Berry Street are delivering an evidence-based program for kinship, foster and out of home carers caring for children who experience anxiety. Carers can attend an introductory workshop as a standalone or enrol in a 12-week intensive carer coaching program, working 1:1 with a Berry Street Integrated Family Services worker to apply strategies at home to reduce the negative impacts of anxiety on children and the family. 

The program is free and available to families residing in Banyule, Nillumbik, Yarra, Whittlesea and Darebin. See flyer attached for further information. 

Tuning Into teens

Berry Street Family Services is offering Tuning into Teens (parenting program) once more in Term 4. It will run on Wednesdays from 11am – 1pm for 6 consecutive weeks, beginning on 1st November 2023 and finishing on 6th December 2023. They are delivering the group online, via Zoom. The group is facilitated by 2 Family Services Case Managers, and will cap the group at approximately 8 participants.

 For those of you that may be unfamiliar with the group program, here are some key features and benefits:

• Interactive evidence-based parenting program developed by child and adolescent psychologists from the University of Melbourne.
• Sessions are built around group discussion, activities and some roleplays where caregivers reflect on their parenting and practice the strategy of Emotion Coaching, sharing their experiences with the group.
• Supports caregivers to better attune to their teen’s emotions and support them with these through Emotion Coaching.
• Supports caregivers to teach their teens how to better manage their emotions.
• Can reduce isolation for caregivers through peer support.
• Helps to prevent or reduce behaviour problems in teens through a more connected relationship with the caregiver.
• Helps promote resilience in teens.