SAFEMinds: Schools and Families Enhancing Minds

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am writing to you with regards to the SAFEMinds program, which was developed by Headspace and the Department of Education. This training package is aimed at building the capacity of teachers and families to effectively identify and discuss early signs of mental health concerns in young people, and guidance regarding how to access appropriate support services.

Ballarat High School is highly committed to increasing awareness and building the capacity of all members of our school community to have knowledge and skills in the crucial area. We strive towards promoting open conversations and facilitating ‘mental health literacy’ or a common language within the school to normalise and discuss the important issue of youth mental health. Our Wellbeing Team have all undertaken SAFEMinds training, and in March this year our Team Leaders within the school will also participate in the program.

I would like to invite you to participate in the parent and carer education component of the SAFEMinds training, which is offered online and is free to access. The program will assist you to improve your knowledge and skills in knowing how to recognise, respond and to support your child if they experience any issues with their mental health. It will provide you with information and resources that will help to identify, talk through concerns, and reach out for appropriate support if you require support. 

The training provides a series of short video-based case studies, information sheets and resources for parents and carers.

I encourage you to consider engaging with this informative resource, which can be accessed via this link: https://safeminds.org.au/parents-and-carers/

The school would be delighted to receive your feedback, so if you do participate feel free to drop me a line and relay your thoughts.

Please send through your feedback via ballarat.hs@education.vic.gov.au and mark it attention to “Shannon Thompson”.

Kind regards,

Shannon Thompson

Psychologist /Mental Health Practitioner