General News
VicSRC Congress Report
At the beginning of the holidays, VicSRC held a virtual Congress which was attended by many students across the state. The point of the online Congress was to try to come up with solutions to some of the biggest problems facing high school students at the moment. The day featured an engaging array of think tanks, panels, and group activities that encouraged students to get creative with their solutions.
The highlight of the experience for me was definitely the Student Perspectives Panel where attendees got to learn about what the education system is like from 4 different perspectives. I found this to be especially interesting as all the panellists were able to provide their unique insight into aspects of learning such as online school and VCE.
The results of the busy day of brainstorming will go on to inform the priorities of VicSRC throughout the year, making it a worthwhile day full of student voice and learning. From unpacking issues in our action teams, to trivia, to listening to the student panellists we definitely learned a lot from Congress and are all the more excited to attend again next year!
Mila Vargas - SRC President
Year 11
Mental Health Support during COVID-19 - for Children, Teens, Parents, and caregivers.
Source: Kidshelpline; kidshelpline.com.au
Out of the COVID-19 pandemic several services have developed online and phone support, including counselling, webinars and resources. These online resources are available and plentiful. However, it can be challenging and overwhelming to access helpful information.
As a starting point the three organisations below provide resources that offer support to children, teens, caregivers, and parents. These include, the Kid’s helpline website, Headspace webinars and the World Health Organisation Fact sheets.
Kids Helpline – report the following warning signs that your child might be struggling
“The COVID-19 pandemic can affect the mental health of kids in different ways. You know your child best, so any behaviours that are out of character for them might be a warning sign they need support. Here are some things to look out for:
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Loss of interest in things they usually enjoy
- Changes in eating or sleep patterns
- Being irritable, moody, or becoming upset easily
- Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
Feelings of hopelessness, especially about the future “
Source: Kidshelpline; kidshelpline.com.au
The Kids help line- online support offers support to children 5-12 years, teens 13-17 years, young adults 18-25, parents and caregivers.
Helping kids through COVID-19 (kidshelpline.com.au)
Kids help line offer a phone line- 1800 55 1800
Email – counsellor@kidshelpline.com.au
Webchat- About WebChat Counselling | Kids Helpline
There may be waiting periods on all services given the current demand.
Source: World Health Organisation; www.who.int
The World Health Organisation has published simple fact sheets- attached for “coping with stress during COVID” and “helping children cope with stress”.
- Coping with stress during the 2019-nCoV outbreak
- Helping children cope with stress during the 2019 nCoV outbreak
Source: Headspace; headspace.org.au
Headspace are running parent/carer webinars. They have online resources, phone, and online counselling.
Attached to the newsletter is information for an upcoming webinar.
headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation
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