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), Headspace Clinician (Angella Scott) 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
Referrals to our Headspace Clinician Angella can be made through the school. Please contact Lauren Downes for further information.
My child needs support! How can I refer them?
Seeking help is a sign of strength and not a weakness. If you ever have concerns about your child’s mental health or wellbeing, please do not hesitate to reach out to the year coordinators or contact any of the wellbeing staff directly. Students are also able to drop-in and speak with wellbeing of their own accord if they would like to seek support.
Mental health support can also be accessed externally. You would first need to access a GP to request for a mental health care plan, which your child can then utilise to access subsidised external support through an external provider. Again, if you require any support in navigating this, please feel free to reach out to one of us and we will endeavour to work with you to access the best support in the most comfortable way for your child.
What has been happening this term?
We are continuing to provide breakfast and lunch to students in need through our Breakfast/Lunch Programs. A reminder that breakfast is available from 8:15 every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday for anyone who did not have time for breakfast or would like to add something extra to their home breakfast. Every lunch time (excluding Thursdays), Wellbeing offers a calm, quiet, and warm space for those who would like to come and chat to a friend. We also offer lunch such as soups, vege/tuna rice, fruit/fruit cups, and other snacks for anyone who forgot lunch or needs a pick-me-up. A reminder that food is only available during the first 20 minutes of lunch and that our toastie days are Mondays and Fridays!
We also have take home packages for students and families who have been adversely affected by the cost of living crisis. If you require some extra help with food over the holidays, please come and see Lauren who can organise a discrete pack for you to take home. Families are also welcome to reach out via email or phone to Lauren for support.
Resources & Support Services
Support is Available throughout the Holidays – just not from us!
It’s important that students continue to reach out over the holidays when and if they need. The Wellbeing Team is unavailable on holidays, but we encourage you to reach out to any of the services below. All are free, and most are available 24/7.
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 and Ange