Ways to Wellbeing
PARTY Excursion
– written by Mayah C
On Thursday of Week 6, Mr Berrell and Mr Garland took ten Year 11 students to Campbelltown Hospital for the PARTY Program Excursion.
The excursion is designed to help young people understand the serious consequences of alcohol and risky behaviour, especially when it comes to trauma and life-threatening injuries.
The day included presentations from various hospital departments and showed us real-life examples of how poor decisions can lead to serious injuries. We also had a talk from police officers about the dangers of high-risk incidents, particularly while driving.
We also took part in hands-on activities that really helped us understand how one bad choice can completely change a life. We got to act out a scenario as emergency department workers, trying to save a man’s life after a crash. Although we couldn’t save him, it gave us a glimpse into the reality of dealing with death, like when the body is taken to the morgue or put into a body bag. We also visited the intensive care unit (ICU), where we saw how drugs and alcohol can leave a person almost lifeless, needing help for even basic things like eating, going to the toilet, and breathing.
We spent time with a speech pathologist and learned how to rebuild muscle in the throat after an accident, and how to communicate without using our voice. We were taught CPR and the correct way to give CPR to someone. In physiotherapy, we learned how people recover the ability to walk again and perform basic movements like standing up or climbing stairs. In occupational therapy, we saw how they assist people who are paralysed, helping them with tasks like moving from the bed to the shower or even to the toilet.
The guest speakers were a mix of professionals, from police officers talking about safe driving and the dangers of drinking, to brain surgeons, organ donors, counselors, and a mother who shared the heartbreaking story of losing her son in a car crash. The group found a lot of interesting things throughout the hospital visit.
For example, hearing from the mother who had lost her son was really emotional, and taking part in a simulation where we had to try and save a man in the emergency department was powerful. It really opened our eyes to the real impact of the decisions we make.
It was also surprising to learn that the term “car accident” is now called a “car crash” because it’s seen as a choice—people decide to take risky actions, whether they’re under the influence or not. Another eye-opening moment was visiting the ICU and seeing firsthand how people end up there and the kind of help they need. Overall, it was fascinating to gain insight from all the different departments and staff members at the hospital.
Some key takeaways we want to share with the community:
One bad choice can change your life.
Drugs and alcohol can have serious negative effects.
Never drink and drive.
Think before you act.
Always have a safe way home.
Have fun, but stay safe.
Consider the consequences of your actions.
Don’t risk becoming disabled.
It was a day that really made us think about how we make decisions and the importance of staying safe.
Supporting Body Kindness: Butterfly Foundation’s Body Kind Month
In August, the Butterfly Foundation celebrated Body Kind Month, which promotes body positivity, self-love, and mental well-being. This is especially important for young people facing societal pressures on appearance. As parents, supporting your child’s body image is essential for their mental health.
What does Body Kind mean?
Body Kind is about treating your body with respect, focusing on health and strength rather than appearance. It’s rejecting harmful beauty standards and appreciating all that your body can do. Embracing Body Kindness encourages self-compassion, where we focus on positive thoughts about our bodies, rather than critiquing or comparing them.
Why is Body Kindness important?
Body image issues are widespread among teens, often leading to low self-esteem or eating disorders. When young people are encouraged to practice Body Kindness, it shifts their focus away from external appearance and towards overall well-being—mental, emotional, and physical. This change in focus can prevent harmful behaviors like dieting, disordered eating, and excessive self-criticism.
Statistics to keep in mind:
1 in 4 teenagers in Australia are dissatisfied with their body image (Butterfly Foundation, 2021).
4% of Australian teens will experience an eating disorder at some point (Eating Disorders Victoria, 2022).
70% of young Australians report feeling pressure about their body image due to social media (Mission Australia Youth Survey, 2022).
Almost half of all teens feel they need to change their appearance to feel good about themselves (Australian National Health Survey, 2021).
How can parents support their children?
1. Promote Positive Self-Talk Encourage your child to highlight their strengths and qualities beyond appearance.
2. Model Healthy Body Image Speak kindly about your own body. Children mimic your attitude toward appearance.
3. Create Open Communication Foster a space where your child can share body image concerns without fear of judgment.
4. Limit Unrealistic Media Help them understand that most media images are edited. Promote body-positive role models.
5. Encourage Health Over Appearance Promote activities that focus on feeling strong and healthy, not just on weight or looks.
6. Recognize Eating Disorder Signs Be alert to signs like extreme focus on weight or drastic changes in eating habits. Early intervention is key.
7. Seek Professional Help If needed, don’t hesitate to get professional support. The Butterfly Foundation offers resources for parents and caregivers.
Top 5 Resources for Parents and Teens:
Butterfly Foundation (butterfly.org.au) – Resources for body image and eating disorders.
ReachOut (reachout.com) – Mental health support for young people and parents.
Headspace (headspace.org.au) – Support for body image and mental health issues in teens.
The Body Image Movement (bodyimagemovement.com.au) – Promotes body acceptance and challenges beauty standards.
Youper (App) – An AI-powered app to help users improve body image and mental well-being.
By using these resources, you can support your child in developing a healthier relationship with their body, focusing on kindness, strength, and self-compassion.