College Counsellor

2026 Youth Mental Health Forum

On Tuesday 2nd June, young people from across the Riverina gathered at CSU for the 2026 Youth Mental Health Forum (YMHF). This is an initiative focused on strengthening youth mental health through collaboration and youth-led action.

Now in its 14th year, the forum provides an invaluable opportunity for students to have fun, learn about mental health, meet others from our region, and build their teamwork skills.

The event was facilitated by Burn Bright (https://www.burnbright.org.au/) an experienced mental health and student leadership organisation with a national footprint. Workshops were also delivered by presenters from Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD), Charles Sturt University (CSU), NSW Office of Youth and Intereach.

Some topics covered include the spectrum of mental health, who’s in your support crew, healthy eating, study skills, wellbeing and giving back and sleep hygiene.

A key outcome was the development of student-led action plans, with young people identifying practical ways to improve wellbeing and connection in their schools and communities. This 'Take It Back’ project was a powerful way for students to share learnings focused on mental health and wellbeing with their peers. Students courageously stood up the front and presented their ideas to the rest of the group.

From the College, 9 students participated ranging from Year 9 to Year 11, with College Counsellor Mr Geoff McLean and Wellbeing Support Officer Mrs Tiana Flint attending in support.

We asked for a highlight, an encouragement and a change – here’s what Aliza (Year 11) and Sebastian (Year 11) had to say:

Aliza: 

1. Highlight: My number one highlight of the Mental Health forum was the end session when all the Christian College students came together to come up with an idea to bring back to school. 
2. Encouraged: I was encouraged by the support they gave to step out of your comfort zones and Paul's recount of his own Mental Health story.

3. Change: I would like more support for those being bullied whether this just be some nasty word or physical. I want the victim of bullying to feel safe to come to teachers about it, and I want the bully to be able to sort through why they are a bully and get support for that. 

    

Sebastian 

1. Highlight: My highlight from the forum was meeting people from other schools and having an understanding of what Goals NSW has on achieving optimal mental health for youth.
2. Encouraged: That I should consider having a healthy balance of mental and physical health.
3. Change: Accessibility for senior students to have a Lego room during lunch to have a mental break from the workload of school.

Anchored Friendships Program

Over the past 4 weeks, Mrs Flint our Wellbeing SLSO, has run an Anchored Friendships Workshop with Year 4 girls. The 4-week program aims to help students to build, strengthen, and safeguard their friendships using practical strategies and biblical wisdom. 

The program had a fun nautical theme that helped students learn how to sail through calm seas and rough waters in friendships. We utilised wellbeing strategies, explored their values and talked about how to recognise unhealthy behaviours and how to overcome these together.

Week 1: Building Your Crew - Choosing Friends Wisely

Week 2: Setting Your Compass - Developing Shared Values

Week 3: Sailing with Encouragers - Positive Influences

Week 4: Spotting Storms and Dropping Anchor

We are looking forward to seeing the positive outcomes from this program.