Senior Years and Wellbeing 

World Mental Health Day

1 in 5 Australians are affected by mental illness, yet many don’t seek help because of stigma. Tuesday 10th October was World Mental Health Day. We can all do something to help shed a more positive light on mental health. Stigma around mental illness due to misunderstanding or prejudice remains an issue in Australia, delaying or preventing people from wanting or feeling able to seek help, and impacting adversely on their lives. We are fortunate in Australia to have access to some wonderful supporting organisations. I have listed the contact details for a number of these as a resource for your family or friends.

Reach Out – www.reachout.com.au    A website with information about mental health problems, physical and mental wellbeing, young people and the law, relationships, alcohol and other drugs and other issues which concern adolescents.

Kids Helpline – 1800 551800 – Telephone, web-based and e mail counselling service that is available 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Beyondblue: the national depression and anxiety initiative     www.beyondblue.org.au  This website has information on depression and anxiety and professionals who can help.

Youthbeyondblue – www.youthbeyondblue.com   Download information sheets on depression and anxiety.

Parenting Strategies www.parentingstrategies.net

Has guidelines which consist of strategies that parents can undertake to help prevent depression and anxiety problems in their teenagers.

The Butterfly Foundation    www.thebutterflyfoundation.org.au   or 1800334673   A nationwide advocacy and resource for parents and carers of those with eating disorders.

Australian Drug Foundation    www.adf.org.au  An independent organisation to prevent and reduce alcohol and drug problems.

The Other Talk : www.theothertalk.org.au   - A website to guide parents through having conversations with their children about alcohol use.

QLife  www.qlife.org.au    Australia’s first nationally-orientated counselling and referral service for LGBTIQ people.

Miss Kristen Waldron

Summer Uniform Change Over

Students may begin Term Four in either their summer or winter uniform. By Monday 23rd October all students must be wearing the summer uniform. Hats are compulsory in Term 4.

Boys will be required to wear long pants and a shirt and tie for Speech Day on Friday 27th October.

Miss Kristen Waldron