Wellbeing

GEM PROGRAM

The Gippsland Engaged Mentoring (GEM) program delivered by Workways Australia, is currently partnering with Bairnsdale Secondary College to provide mentors for young people. Youth who are “at risk”, disengaged, or struggling at school, home or community, are connected with volunteer adult mentors who provide friendship, advice, support and conversation.

According to GEM “The volunteer mentors who give up their time each week make a real difference in the lives of our participants, particularly so for those young people who may not have a stable adult presence in their lives at that time.” One hour a week is all that is required to make a difference.

Training is provided for all volunteers and mentors must pass a Police and Working With children Check. Aside from that, there are no qualifications required for these volunteer roles - just good listening skills and a passion for supporting youth in East Gippsland. Community members who would like to volunteer to be a part of youth mentoring should contact Janelle at Workways on 0419 802 772 or Sue on 0436 480 357 .

Parents or teachers who may have a young person they would like to refer to the GEM program should contact the BSC Wellbeing team.

Parenting program - supporting children with anxiety

Please click on the button below for information regarding a free parenting program in relation to supporting children with anxiety  

End of Term 1 2022

Wellbeing would like to send a big thank you to all staff, students and families who were involved in some of our projects, groups, and events this term as well as working with us to support and encourage the young people attending Bairnsdale Secondary College.

The Wellbeing team was so happy to be able to celebrate National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence. We welcomed special guests Elise and Mel from headspace and members from the Bairnsdale Police and SOCIT unit to help us celebrate the day.  It was a huge success!

We’d also like to thank all our visitors and external community group guests who visited and supported us this term for our groups, professional days and services. Our external visitors included Gippsland East Mentoring, Bairnsdale headspace, and Gippsland Lakes Complete Health. We hope to continue to work with these groups next term.

Wellbeing cannot wait to see everyone next term and hope you all have a safe and happy holidays.