WELLBEING

Accessing Wellbeing

Parents/carers can access supports from Wellbeing for their young person via the Administration Office on Ph: (03) 5261 6633.

R U Ok? Day - Thursday 11th September

On Thursday, 11th September, we’ll be recognising R U OK? Day – a national day of action that reminds us all to check in with the people around us and ask a simple but powerful question: “Are you OK?”

To show our support:

Students are invited to wear free dress
Include a splash of yellow to show support for mental health awareness
Bring a gold coin donation – all funds raised will go back to R U OK?

Why is R U OK? Day important?

Young people face all kinds of pressures – from friendships and schoolwork to social media and growing up. R U OK? Day encourages open conversations about mental health and emotional wellbeing, helping students learn how to check in on each other and seek help when it’s needed.

It’s a simple reminder that a conversation could change a life – and that none of us are alone.

Let’s work together to create a safe, supportive, and caring school community.

headspace at Surf Coast Secondary College

Hi everyone,

I’m Mia from headspace Armstrong Creek, supporting young people across the Surf Coast region. This term, I’ve teamed up with the Wellbeing Team and will be at school every Tuesday afternoon until the end of term.

In my role, I work alongside young people to promote social inclusion, foster positive community engagement, provide psychoeducation, and connect them with appropriate supports, while also being a familiar presence within the school.

About headspace

headspace is a free and confidential service for young people aged 12 to 25. Our supports include:

Mental health clinicians and counsellors
Youth friendly GPs and nurses who can support with physical health, sexual health, substance use, relationships, and mental wellbeing
Alcohol and other drug (AOD) support
Brief intervention counselling (short-term) and pathways for longer-term support
Assistance with work, study, and general wellbeing
Young people can self refer online or in person, and referrals can also be made by a family member, friend, or professional. headspace is a voluntary service, so engaging with us is always your choice.

Feel free to drop in to the Armstrong Creek location at:

46-70 Central Boulevard, Armstrong Creek, Victoria 3217 Or call (03) 5212 9048.

You can also contact me directly on 0488 752 041 or at mia.jeremic@stride.com.au

Other centres include Geelong, Corio and Ocean Grove.

In an emergency, call 000 or access other crisis services:

• Lifeline 13 11 14

• Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

Surf Coast Shire Youth Survey

Speak up and help shape Youth Action Plan

Surf Coast Shire Council is developing a new Youth Action Plan 2025-2029, and we’re inviting young people aged 10 to 25 to share their thoughts, ideas and experiences to help shape it.

We’ve created three short online surveys, tailored to different age groups:

10–13 years
14–17 years
18–25 years

Every voice matters, so we’d love to hear from as many young people as possible.

Take the survey at: surfcoast.vic.gov.au/YouthSurvey (it should only take five or so minutes to complete).

The Youth Action Plan will help guide Council’s work to support, engage and empower young people across the shire over the next four years - and this input is vital.

Parents and Carers

We’ll be visiting schools and encouraging students to get involved. You can support this work by encouraging your child to complete the survey too.

Questions touch on topics like interests, screens, social media, challenges, safety, wellbeing, and connection to others.

Thanks for helping us make sure young people’s voices are at the heart of this important work.