Ballarat High School Newsletter

Mental Health Supports during the School Holidays

As we approach the upcoming school holidays, it’s important to acknowledge that while this break offers a chance to rest and recharge, it can also bring challenges for some students. Research shows that young people can experience increased feelings of loneliness, anxiety and low mood during school holidays due to changes in routine, reduced social interactions and limited access to school-based support systems. A survey by Headspace found that nearly one in three young Australians report feeling more isolated during school breaks, which can impact their overall wellbeing.

 

If you or someone you know needs mental health support over the holidays, there are a range of services available:

  • Lifeline (13 11 14) – 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services.

  • Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) – A free, confidential counselling service for young people aged 5–25.

  • Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) – Mental health support for people of all ages.

  • Headspace – Support for young people aged 12–25 (visit www.headspace.org.au for local centres and online support). eHeadspace: https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/

  • Parent line Victoria (13 22 89) – Support for parents and carers seeking guidance.

  • Yarn Safe by Headspace: Offers mental health resources and services for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Call 1800 650 890 or please visit Yarn Safe.

  • ReachOut: https://au.reachout.com/

  • The Orange Door: https://orangedoor.vic.gov.au/

  • Safe Steps: https://www.safesteps.org.au/ 1800 015 188 (24 hours a day, seven days a week)

  • YSAS (Youth Support & Advocacy Service): A drug and alcohol treatment service that also provides young people and their families with mental health support. Visit YSAS.

  • Suicide Call Back Service: Offers 24/7 crisis counselling to people at risk of suicide, carers for someone who is suicidal and those bereaved by suicide. Call 1300 659 467.

  • The Butterfly Foundation: Supports people with eating disorders and body image issues. Call 1800 33 4673 or chat online. For young LGBTIQA+ people: There is a great list of resources at Better Health Channel, including Queerspace and Minus18.

  • 1800 RESPECT: If you - or someone you know - have experienced or are currently experiencing sexual, family or intimate partner violence, you can call Victoria’s 24-hour sexual assault crisis line on 1800 806 292 or visit 1800 RESPECT. If you need to speak to someone urgently, call Lifeline 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 (24 hours a day, seven days a week)

Additionally, if you are looking for ways to support mental wellbeing over the break, please see the Supporting Your Young Person During the Holidays resource by Headspace or Mental health supports for students over school holidaysresource by Vic Government attached herewith. 

 

Wishing you all a safe and restful holiday period.

 

Wellbeing Support Factsheet Parents and Carers.pdf
Support your Young Person during the Holidays.pdf

 

Ritika (Rhea) Singh 

Mental Health Practitioner