Wellbeing
Mental Health Awareness Days
On September 9th and 11th, the Wellbeing Team is supporting mental health awareness days organised by the SIRC. On Tuesday 9th, we’ll run activities at recess and lunch that help us to regulate and boost our sense of wellbeing. On Thursday 11th, we’re recognizing R U OK? to remind everyone to stay connected and make asking, ‘are you OK?’ a part of our everyday. That way, if someone we know is struggling with something big or small, they’ll know we care. When we genuinely ask, ‘are you OK?’ and are prepared to talk to them about how they’re feeling and what’s going on in their life, we can help someone who might be struggling feel connected and supported, long before they’re in crisis. You don’t need to be an expert to ask someone, ‘are you OK?’. Try and make time for regular chats about life’s ups and downs so you can build trust. That way when someone is struggling, they’ll know you care and will feel comfortable opening up to you.
It also helps to choose the right time and place for a meaningful conversation.
On breaks from work or study
When exercising together
When connecting or doing activities together online
When you’re spending time together socially
When you’re doing an activity side-by-side
When you’re sharing a meal
When you’re travelling together, even a short trip can be a good time to talk
We’ll have Headspace visiting at recess to share info about their services and to chat to students, and we’ll be sharing information and resources to help students ask, ‘are you OK?’ and meaningfully connect with the people in your world. R U OK? is a national charity dedicated to inspiring all of us to have regular, meaningful conversations to support anyone going through a difficult time. You can learn more at ruok.org.au and check out their helpful resources like their Conversation Guide and their tips for supporting friends.
New Teen Health Information Sheets from the Royal Children’s Hospital
The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) has recently published a set of new Teen Health Information Sheets designed to support young people and their families with reliable, up- to-date health advice.
These easy-to-read resources cover a wide range of topics that are relevant for adolescents, including mental health, physical wellbeing, relationships, sleep, nutrition and navigating changes during the teenage years. They have been developed by experts at RCH and are a trusted source of information for both parents and teens. You can explore the full set of information sheets on the RCH Kids Health Info website: www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo.
These resources are a great way to start important conversations at home and to help young people make informed choices about their health and wellbeing.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING SERVICES/CONTACTS -
KNOX, MAROONDAH, YARRA RANGES
