Engagement & Wellbeing Page
Kellie Hewson, Gill Hodgson & Melissa Lonergan
(Mental Health & Wellbeing and Disability & Inclusion Leaders)
Surfside Primary School
Supporting your Child through Play Therapy, Counselling and Family Support
If your child is finding things tough at the moment; big emotions, anxiety, trouble settling at school, or the effects of a difficult experience at home, play therapy and childhood counselling can make a real difference. These approaches give children a safe, age-appropriate way to process what's going on for them, often through play rather than conversation alone, and can also help build emotional regulation and strengthen relationships with the adults around them.
There are several free and heavily subsidised, local and state-wide services worth knowing about:
Bellarine Community Health offers individual and family play therapy and counselling for children aged 0–12, with a focus on emotional regulation, processing difficult experiences, and supporting the parent–child relationship. Details and referral information: bch.org.au/counselling
Step Thru Care, run through Western Victoria Primary Health Network, is a free mental health and wellbeing support pathway that includes children under 12 among its priority groups. Families can self-refer, or we can support with a referral directly. More information: westvicphn.com.au – Step Thru Care
The Orange Door is a free Victorian Government service supporting child, family and youth wellbeing (as well as family violence support) — no referral is needed to get in touch. Use the Ocean grove drop in centre on Tuesday mornings or orangedoor.vic.gov.au
Not sure where to start, or think a school referral might help open the door to one of these services? You're welcome to book a time with Kellie, Gill or Mel to talk through what's going on for your child and whether a school referral could support your connection to one of these services.
Please contact the school office to arrange a time.
Lunch Clubs at Surfside!
Lunch Clubs are a great way for students to build friendships, try something new and feel more connected to school. Please encourage your child(ren) to explore the timetable and consider giving a new club a go this term. Most clubs run for approximately 30 minutes.
Surfside Primary School Supports
