Wellbeing - Students
THS has a small allied health team consisting of two Mental Health Practitioners (Steph Ruberto and Livia Lo Giudice), Mental Health Nurse (Jess Manzie), and our Wellbeing Coordinator (Lauren Downes). We provide a range of different support services to students, parents, guardians and staff on issues impacting on student wellbeing. Some of these are:
- Short-term counselling for students presenting with low to moderate mental health concerns
- Psychoeducation to parents and staff on a range of different topics
- Professional development for staff, as well as collaborating with a range of other internal and external services
- External referrals where appropriate
What has been happening this term?
Over the past few weeks, there’s been plenty happening in the world of Wellbeing at Thornbury High!
Two weeks ago, we said goodbye to Ange Scott, who has been an incredible part of our wellbeing community for several years. Ange has worked closely with our students, providing onsite support through Headspace, and has helped so many young people feel heard and supported. Due to some changes at Headspace, Ange will now be based at the Headspace Collingwood office full-time. Whilst we’ll miss having her around, we know she’ll continue to make a difference in the lives of many young people. Thank you, Ange, for all your care and dedication, we wish you the very best in your next chapter!
October was Mental Health Month, and the Wellbeing Team ran a series of activities to encourage students to check in with themselves and each other. On Tuesday 21 October, we hosted our very first THS Mental Health Expo! Headspace Collingwood joined us to run a badge-making activity, answer student questions, and share information about the supports available for young people. It was fantastic to see so many students getting involved and learning more about where to reach out when they need support. We’re already planning to expand the Expo next year with even more organisations and activities to explore!
Our Year 7 students took part in an engaging presentation from Brainstorm Productions, learning how online behaviour including how sharing and posting can affect others. They also explored positive ways to support friends and seek help when needed. Meanwhile, our Year 9 cohort participated in a Project Rockit workshop focused on prejudice, privilege, and allyship. The session encouraged students to think critically about fairness and to stand up for others when they witness injustice.
As part of our R U OK? Day celebrations on Friday 24 October, the Wellbeing Team and our Business Manager introduced the very first THS R U OK? Awards! These awards gave staff the chance to recognise colleagues who make a difference every day, whether by listening with empathy, brightening someone’s day, or going above and beyond to support others. Each nominated staff member received a certificate and a small care package to help them through this busy term. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the caring culture that makes Thornbury High such a special place to work and learn.
Resources & Support Services
Youth Help Lines
If you need support when you’re not at school, here are some handy contacts:
Emergency services 000
Safe Steps - Family Violence 1800 015 188
Lifeline 131 114
Kids Help Line 1800 55 1800
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
Sexual Assault Crisis Line 1800 806 292
13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander) 13 92 76
Youth Support Services
Headspace: visit headspace.org.au to find your nearest centre or call headspace on 1800 650 890.
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au
ReachOut: reachout.com.au
SANE Australia: 1800 187 263 or sane.org
National 24/7 crisis services
Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Beyondblue: 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au
The Wellbeing Team
Lauren, Steph, Livia, Jess