Recognising International Mental Health Nurses Day

In a recent edition of Corporate News, celebrating the sixth International Mental Health Nurses Day, our wonderful Mental Health Practitioner, Nella Foley was recognised for the outstanding work she does every day in the area of mental health.

We are very fortunate to have Nella as our Mental Health Practitioner at Cheltenham Secondary College, as you will see from the article below, published in February 2024, Nella’s vast knowledge, experience and expertise are outlined. Nella, like all nurses, provides our students with a kind, caring and compassionate approach to supporting and improving their wellbeing, and is a highly respected and valued member of the Wellbeing team.

Prioritising mental health – Nella Foley, Cheltenham Secondary College

Nella Foley had 25 years’ experience in mental health before joining Cheltenham Secondary, in Melbourne’s south-east, as a mental health practitioner.

Nella provides counselling, support and advocacy for students and staff, primary intervention, case management, and works with parents, carers, school leaders and external support services.

Nella said it was both a challenging and rewarding job.

‘The challenging part of the job is that young people face barriers in accessing support,’ Nella said.

‘For example, there are some families who don’t believe in mental health and don’t allow their child to access mental health support.’

Nella said it was overcoming these challenges that made the job so rewarding.

‘It is wonderful when you see the mental health of a student improve after implementing the strategies discussed and practised during counselling sessions – it’s great to see them achieve their goals that they set and work towards.’

Nella said she was also proud of the strong connections she had formed with staff at the school. Nella provides support to school staff in a range of ways, including providing behaviour management plans and strategies, and coaching and information about managing the impact of trauma on students.

‘I think it’s my capacity to build strong connections with young people and staff, as well as helping students to create a more inclusive school culture, that I’m most proud of,’ Nella said.

Consent Can’t Wait

A new consent campaign was launched by the Federal Government in late May. You may have noticed some advertising on social media, billboards and television directing you to a newly created website.

consent.gov.au, supports parents and carers with advice on engaging young people about consent. This exciting development provides conversation starters and discussion guides to broach the topic of consent with young people as well as guides for talking to other adults.

This article published by the ABC gives a great overview of this new campaign and the research that supports the need for it.

We know this is a conversation parents are really looking for more support with and we encourage all parents to read the content on the new Government website and have these vital conversations with their young people.

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Family Life DFFH Early Help continues its important work of providing Brief Support and evidence-based group programs to children aged 0-18 years and their families with the following workshop being offered free of charge to our parents:

Chelt.Sec Wellbeing Team

Kerri Haworth Nella Foley

Director of Wellbeing Mental Health Practitioner

Daniel Ferdinands Nicole Huang Donna Hurst Jackie Teese

Engagement Officer Counsellor Counsellor Counsellor

Wellbeing Contact Form

Contact our Cheltenham Secondary College Wellbeing team directly with any concerns or issues and one of the team will get back to you. The form can be accessed here.

Helpful Contacts

Headspace

http://www.headspace.org.au/

Headspace Centres can be a one-stop shop for all young people who just need some help with everyday stuff or wellbeing and physical health.

Kids Helpline

https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Kids Helpline is across Australia, it is free, private and confidential 24/7. Mainly for young people aged 5 to age 25.

Call them on.. 1800 55 1800

Lifeline

https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Provides all Australians everywhere experiencing a personal crisis allowing 24-hour support. Call them on.. 13 11 14

Beyond Blue

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Provides information and support which helps tackle head-on the effects of mental health issues no matter where or what age.

Call them on.. 1300 22 4636

Parentline

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/serviceprofiles/parentline-service

Fantastic service for parents and carers of young children from a few days of age all the way up to 18-year-olds. This service offers counselling and support which is confidential and anonymous on all issues around parenting. Call them on...13 22 89.

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