Wellbeing at TPS
Nurturing Young Minds
Hi Families,
This week, I’d like to talk about something very close to the heart of every child’s learning journey, mental health and wellbeing. Our students are navigating a complex world, and it’s essential we stay informed, caring, and proactive.
Why childhood wellbeing matters
- Up to 1 in 7 children aged 4–11 experience a mental health condition annually. Boys are more affected than girls with ADHD and anxiety among the most common challenges.
Trusted supports for families
Here are some accessible resources every Teesdale family might find reassuring:
| Who? | What? |
|---|---|
| Kids Helpline | Free, 24/7 counselling for ages 5–25 via phone (1800 55 1800), web chat, or email. |
| Beyond Blue | Nationwide support line available 24 hours (1300 22 4636), focusing on anxiety, depression, and general mental health. |
| headspace / eheadspace | For youth aged 12–25: in-person, online or phone support for mental, physical, and social wellbeing. eheadspace is free and confidential, available locally 3pm–10pm daily. |
| R U OK? | A national initiative encouraging everyday, supportive conversations around mental health, especially relevant approaching R U OK? Day in September. |
| FRIENDS Resilience Program | An evidence-based program supporting emotional regulation and resilience in young children. Adapted for ages 4–7 ("Fun FRIENDS") and up. |
What you can do at home
- Talk openly about emotions (yes, even the tricky ones!) and validate what your child shares.
- Model coping strategies like deep breathing, storytelling, or mindful moments.
- Engage in community steps, such as local S-learning programs, R U OK? conversations, or FRIENDS workshops if available nearby.
Every child deserves to feel seen, safe, and supported, especially in their emotional world. By combining warm-hearted community care with informed, evidence-based strategies, we can build resilience in our youngest learners. If you’d like guidance on how to access any of these programs or support your family’s wellbeing at home, I’m always here to help.
Speak soon,
Rhys Lindsay
Additional wellbeing supports available for all TPS families
- Ballarat Health Service Access and Triage, or call 1300 094 187 for urgent mental health support
- Suicide Call Back Service, or call 1300 659 467
- Lifeline, or call 13 11 14, or Text 0477 13 11 14
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line 13YARNor call 13 92 76
- Kids Helpline or call 1800 551 800
- Beyond Blue or call 1300 224 636
- Headspace or call 1800 650 890. Headspace also have online chat services that can be accessed at Online & phone support | headspace
- Grief & Loss - The Trauma and Grief Network (TGN) (anu.edu.au)
- Supporting primary school-age children through grief - Emerging Minds
- How to support your family and yourself through grief and loss - Emerging Minds