COUNSELLING CONNECTIONS

Health authorities are warning FNQ people that another wave of Covid is coming. In fact, Queensland Health is already reporting this wave affecting people, workplaces and hospitals in Brisbane and South East Queensland. Already here in Cairns we are hearing that masks are recommended on public transport, in crowded or well populated spaces, in all hospitals and doctors surgeries and for those experiencing some symptoms of either cold, flu or other viral symptoms.

We should heed these warnings. Families can best protect themselves by:

1. Ensuring vaccinations are up to date for all family members as recommended by Queensland Health.
2. Good quality exercise outdoors wherever possible each day.
3. Making sure that symptoms of ill health are taken seriously and appropriately managed.

Activities for your sons these holidays

Here are some fun family and student-oriented activities over this coming vacation. Most are free.

• School Holiday Activities in Cairns December/January 2023
• Cairns School Holidays Guide
• School Holiday Program - Cairns Museum
•  Kids Holiday Activities Cairns - Gym Sports FNQ 
• Kids Events | cairnscalendar.com.au
• Christmas School Holidays - Cairns Art Gallery

You might also consider:

20 Free school holiday activities in Cairns

• Cairns Esplanade Lagoon.
• Cairns Esplanade.
• Nandroya Falls Circuit.
• Muddy's Playground.
• Fig Tree Park Playground.
• Cairns Botanic Gardens.
• Crystal Cascades.

Tips for healthy online behaviours these holidays

School holidays can be a wonderful time for family togetherness and mutual enjoyment. And sometimes disagreements can arise about boundaries, or usual boundaries can slip and problems occur. Parents report to me that holidays can be times when good online practices can be overlooked or opportunities abused. Here are six tips for healthy online behaviours around the home this holiday season. And Family Zone has some strategies to manage online and screen boundaries.

Mind Your Health

SBS has launched a mental health initiative to showcase diverse perspectives on mental, physical and community health in Australia. "Mind Your Health" premiered in October in response to the number of Australians who struggle with mental disorders.

The project showcases health and wellbeing stories in English across SBS, including the SBS Settlement Guide, SBS Food, Insight and SBS News. A number of video stories on mental health are also available in various languages, as well as podcasts on mental health in Arabic, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hindi and Punjabi. For more about the project, visit the SBS Mind Your Health page.

Community Resources for Counselling

Below are the contact details for other organisations providing information or services relating to counselling or psychotherapy. You can also download a pdf of this information here.

NATIONAL groups include those that focus on rural and remote areas.

QUEENSLAND groups

There are numerous Mental Health Service and Supports that a family can access in times of need.  

Confidential Helplines, Webchats and other Useful Information. These most useful  resources come from Queensland Health and the Education Department. Click below.

2022 has been a challenging year for all of us. In the Health & Wellbeing Centre we have faced some significant physical and emotional challenges to health. And while we are looking forward to a good rest with our families, I feel, that which challenges us makes us stronger. So, we are looking forward to seeing the Saints community regather in January to again engage with our students in the gifted enterprise of education. Finally, Suzana Marijke and I wish all in our Saints community the happiest, healthiest and most restful family Christmas and January holiday.

Marijke Keller    mkeller@cns.catholic.edu.au     07 4052 9136

Br Roger              brroger@cns.catholic.edu.au     07 4052 9135