Wellbeing - Students
THS has a small allied health team consisting of two Mental Health Practitioners (Steph Budiman and Livia Lo Giudice), Wellbeing and Inclusion Counsellor (Belle Dolin), 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
Please contact Lauren Downes for further information or questions about support that can be provided.
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?
Welcome Stephanus Budiman!
We are excited to welcome Stephanus (Steph) to the Thornbury High School wellbeing team! Steph will be joining us while Stephanie Ruberto is on maternity leave as she welcomes a new addition to her family.
Steph will be working Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, supporting students with their wellbeing and mental health needs. We’re very pleased to have him joining our team and know he will be a wonderful addition.
If you see Steph around the school, please say hello and help make him feel welcome at THS!
Additional support at THS!
It has been wonderful to see so many students making use of the food supports available through the Wellbeing Centre this term. From Breakfast Club in the mornings to lunch items, fruit available throughout the day, take-home food packs, and our very popular hot chocolates during these colder mornings, these supports have been a huge hit with students!
The program is designed to ensure students have access to food in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment, while also helping students feel connected and ready to learn. It has been fantastic to see students enjoying the space respectfully, checking in with staff, and supporting one another.
We would also like to thank the staff who continue to assist in making these supports possible each day. Your support helps create a caring and inclusive school community for our students.
A reminder that students can access:
- Breakfast items before school every day (including hot chocolates to combat the cold mornings during term 2)
- Lunch items during lunchtime (including toasties on Mondays and Fridays)
- Fruit throughout the day at any time, just come by and pick up an apple/banna/orange or carrot
- Take-home food packs where needed, just let us know!
We are incredibly proud of how positively students have engaged with these supports and look forward to continuing them throughout the year.
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
Lauren, Steph, Livia, Belle, and Jess
The Wellbeing Team