Student Service News

Student Wellbeing Corner

We’ve had a couple of weeks of Level 4 restrictions now, and there’s no doubt about it – things have been tough. Like you, the Student Wellbeing team have been missing loved ones and reminiscing about the freedoms we used to take for granted (who’d have thought a trip to the supermarket would be an event?). We know many of our students are finding this lockdown and remote learning period harder than before, and we remind you that you are not alone. If you would like to chat about how things are going for you, get some advice or figure out some coping strategies together, please reach out to a member of the Wellbeing team.  

Staying connected is more important than ever while we’re physically apart. If you’re feeling isolated or are looking to connect with others, maybe one of these ideas is for you: 

• Be active with a member of your household - Join the Virtual Tour of Australia and gain points for your house by recording your kilometres and logging them onto myNorthcoteHigh here https://schoolbox.nhs.vic.edu.au/homepage/24687
• For those outside your 5km bubble, organise an online hang out (to mix things up, challenge your friends to a bake-off, kahoot, sing-along or e-workout)
• Join a club – that’s right, some of our lunch time clubs have gone remote. Check below for a list of what’s on and how you can be involved. Clubs are a great way to meet like-minded people, hone your interests or just chill out and have fun. Send an email to the club facilitator to get involved:

Final resource round up: 

• We welcome the news that the federal government has acknowledged the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on young people’s mental health with their announcement of $5 million funding to support Headspace, $2 million to support Kids Helpline, $2.5 million to support Lifeline, and $2.5 million to support BeyondBlue nationally.

• Headspace have announced the Enhancing Mental Health Support in School (EMHSS) program. This free and confidential service connects students with clinicians via telehealth platforms. The service includes assessment and targeted short-term psychological counselling for students with mild to moderate mental health difficulties. To discuss whether a referral is right for you/your student, or for more information, you can speak to a member of the Student Wellbeing Team at NHS (details below) or contact Headspace directly on 9417 0150. Students do not require a mental health care plan from their GP to access this service.

• ReachOut’s forums are a safe place for 14 – 25 years to chat, connect and support each other. All forums are moderated from 9am – 11pm by staff who ensure this is a safe space for everyone. Hang out, chat about everyday life stuff, get tips from others who are dealing with stress, anxiety, friendships and the challenges of iso. There’s also loads of information about accessing professional help from people that have been there.

• Don’t forget - Kids Help Line provides free, confidential support, 24/7. You can phone them any time on 1800 55 1800. If you’ve thought about calling but don’t know what to expect, check out this great info on how to call a helpline which outlines what’s involved.

• If you don’t feel like speaking aloud, but want to chat, connect with support through the eHeadspace website (9am – 1am). This is a free, confidential space for you to chat about what’s going on for you