Wellbeing update

What a year it has been for Wellbeing at Koonung. We have continued to grow our relationship with Headspace with their attendance at Koonung, we have had incursions from Brainstorm Productions and the year 8s were lucky enough to be a part of the Healthy Minds Program. We wish all Koonung students an enjoyable school holidays and hope it is great time to recharge and refresh for 2023. 

Whitehorse Council Summer School Holiday Program

With the end of the school year rapidly approaching, you might be wondering how you can keep yourself entertained over the holidays. Whitehorse Council are running a number of different school holiday programs for families and young people. For more information about the individual activities available, follow the link below:https://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/things-do/festivals-and-events/school-holidays

Wellbeing support for students during school holidays

Actions that support positive mental health 

• Exercise boosts mood and mental health – make it fun!
• Eating healthily to improve mood
• Prioritise sleep to support mental and emotional wellbeing
• Explore relaxation techniques and coping strategies
• Stay in touch and catch up with friends and loved ones
• Make time to do things they enjoy
• Practice positive self-talk – and remember they are not alone
• Seek professional help if needed.

Young people supporting each other

Young people are most likely to turn to each other for support before seeking out an adult or service provider. Young people can support each other by:

• contacting 000 if a friend needs urgent assistance or is at risk of harming themselves or others
• reaching out to a friend, offering support and letting them know you care
• letting their friend know they may need to tell a trusted adult about their concerns.

Mental health support 

• Your local GP
• headspace Counselling: Victorian Government secondary school students including those who have just finished schooling can access counselling services from headspace. During the holidays, students can self-refer by calling their local headspace centre. Students can self-refer by calling their local headspace centre. 
• eheadspace, online and phone counselling for young people aged 12 to 25 and their families: 1800 650 890 www.headspace.org.au/eheadspace
• Kids Helpline, online and phone counselling for young people aged 5 to 25: 1800 551 800 www.kidshelpline.com.au 
• Parentline, counselling and support for parents and carers: 13 22 89 https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/parentline
• Lifeline, crisis support and suicide prevention for all Australians: 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au 
• Beyond Blue, online and phone support service for individuals experiencing depression and anxiety and their families: 1300 224 636 www.beyondblue.org.au (including translated resources to help parents and families support young people’s mental health).
• Head to Help, digital mental health resources from Australian organisations: 1800 595 212 www.headtohelp.org.au/

• Suicide Call Back Service, online, phone and video counselling for anyone affected by suicidal thoughts: 1300 659 467 www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au 
• contacting 000 if you are in an emergency, or at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others.

Yvette Larubina & Eryn Tyler

Wellbeing Team