Wellbeing

National Child Protection Week 

This year’s theme, 'Every conversation matters: shifting conversation to action', reminds us that listening to children and young people is one of the most important things adults can do but listening also needs to be followed by action.  

At St Peter's, we want every child to know that they have a voice, that there are adults who will listen, and that they can seek help when something worries them or does not feel safe.   In every classroom and shared space at St Peter's we have posters with photographs of staff that students can speak with if they are feeling unsafe.  At home you may like to speak with your child about who they can turn to if they need help or support. 

Five conversations worth having at home, ask your child: 

• Who are the adults you would go to if you needed help? 
• What makes you feel really listened to? 
• Is there anywhere - in person or online - where you sometimes feel uncomfortable or unsafe? 
• What do adults sometimes misunderstand about being your age? 
• If you told me something difficult, what would you want me to do?  

When children raise a concern, adults do not need to have every answer. Staying calm, listening carefully, taking the concern seriously and helping the child access appropriate support can make an important difference.  

Child safety is a shared responsibility. By keeping conversations open and being prepared to act, families, schools and communities can work together to help children feel safe, supported, respected and heard.   

This week we will be focusing on safety and support in our Big Question.  Alongside National Child Protection activities and discussions we will also be focusing on RU OK?  Through discussions we will focus on thinking about how to give and receive support.   

The National RU OK? campaign gives us a chance to help and support others, and it also provides us with the opportunity to receive support from others.  

This is an important focus for us this week as we also look at how we support each other through meaningful conversation and asking RU OK?  

RU OK? Is a question we can ask any day, and it is recommended that we use these four steps when we are concerned for someone: 

1. Ask RU OK? 

2. Listen with an open mind 

3. Encourage action 

4. Check back in 

If you, or someone you know, need support please know that help is available, and it’s okay to not be okay.  RU OK? Has a range of resources and supports for you and those you care about When Life Happens, Ask R U OK? 

If you need professional support, please contact your doctor, local health centre or one of the services listed below. You can also call these services for advice and assistance on how to support someone who is struggling with life:  

Lifeline (24/7 ) 13 11 14 lifeline.org.au 

Suicide Call Back Service (24/7) 1300 659 467 suicidecallbackservice.org.au 

Beyond Blue (24/7) 1300 224 636 beyondblue.org.au 

Kids Helpline (24/7, for youth 5-25) 1800 55 1800 kidshelpline.com.au 

MensLine (24/7) 1300 78 99 78 mensline.org.au 

If you or someone else is in danger, please call 000 immediately. 

For more resources: Where can I get help | R U OK?  

Fresh Fruit Friday