Organised by our SRC (Student Representative Council) in collaboration with the Wellbeing and Admin teams, BSC hosted an out of uniform day on Thursday 11th September to acknowledge R U OK? Day. Gold Coin donations were collected on the day, along with online donations, to help support the cause with the goal of reaching $1000.

The BBQs were fired up with a sausage sizzle on offer for all, coinciding with an entertaining Staff vs Students basketball game and other activities run by our external partners who joined us onsite to take part in the festivities.

At last count, a total of $1,016 was raised ($828 in coins and $188 online donations).. a fantastic result! A massive thank you to everyone who helped to make the fundraiser and event such a success!

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Mental Health and Wellbeing Local is a service that helps Victorians get mental health and wellbeing support when they need it, where they need it. They provide free support and services for people who are experiencing mental health concerns, including people experiencing mental health and substance use concerns at the same time. It is FREE, easy to access and located in your community. You are eligible for support if you:

are 26 years of age or older
are experiencing psychological distress, mental health challenges or alcohol and other drug concerns
need additional support than what a usual doctor offers but who do not need hospital services

We offer one-on-one and group supports and advice through Wellbeing Navigators and Peer Workers who are here to listen and help you explore the services and supports right for you and your situation. Support is available in person at our site or via telehealth.

WHERE TO FIND US:

East Gippsland

24 Service St, Bairnsdale VIC 3875 Get Directions

Phone 1300 000 352

Accessibility information

Walk-in and phone support

9.00am – 5.00pm weekdays
10.00am – 2.00pm public holidays
Closed on Weekends

Our partners

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HELPING YOU SUPPORT YOUR CHILD'S MENTAL WELLBEING

Childhood and adolescence are periods of rapid emotional, social and cognitive development. As a parent or carer, you play a vital role in helping your child or teen navigate these changes and build strong mental health. The Black Dog Institute have a heap of resources available online for parents/carers relating to:

Recognising signs of mental distress
Talking to teens about mental health
Accessing support and assistance
Understanding and responding to self-harm
Understanding and responding to suicidality
Better sleep for teens
Positive social connections
Young people and screens

They are also offering FREE webinars for parents and carers - for information on how to register and for other available resources see attachment below or visit:

For Parents - Black Dog Institute | Better Mental Health

Parents Resource Hub - Black Dog Institute | Better Mental Health

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Online Course for Carers - Understanding Eating Disorder Recovery

The Butterfly Foundation is hosting a FREE 6-week webinar course for Carers to learn more about understanding eating disorder recovery.

Are you supporting someone with an eating disorder?
Are you struggling to communicate and connect with your loved one?
Do you feel like no-one else really understands your experience as a Carer?

Based on the work of Janet Treasure in the book 'Skills Based Caring for a Loved One with an Eating Disorder', this course aims to provide Carers with the communication and self-care skills required to support their loved one experiencing an eating disorder

DATES/TIMES: Thursday 9th October - Thursday 13th November 2025 (6 consecutive Thursday evenings over 6 weeks)

BOOK HERE: Online Course - Understanding Eating Disorder Recovery (UEDR) October 2025 Tickets, Thu, Oct 9, 2025 at 7:30 PM | Eventbrite

If you are unsure if this course is right for you or would like to talk to a counsellor about your loved one’s recovery, you are welcome to give us a call on 1800 33 4673, or webchat and email via our website Helpline - Butterfly Foundation. We are open 7 days a week, 8am - Midnight (AEDT/AEST), excluding national public holidays.

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MANAGING EXAM STRESS

For some students, exams can be a crucial time in their life as they can hold a significant influence on the future opportunities that someone has. This can lead to a level of pressure that can easily become overwhelming. Following are a few tips and tricks for students to de-stress during exam time.

Academic Support

If you're having trouble with specific topics or concepts, schedule a meeting with your teacher or speak with someone at your Hub to discuss your concerns and ask for guidance.
Seek help from peers and consider joining/creating a study group to collaborate with others in the same boat as you.
Explore educational websites, YouTube tutorials, and educational apps to supplement your learning and clarify difficult topics.
Gather everything you need prior to beginning your study and create a dedicated, clutter-free space that promotes focus and concentration.
Make a plan of what you want to work on and break it down into small, manageable tasks. Make sure to give yourself a reward once you achieve your study goals!
Take regular breaks – every hour or so to relax your mind and give it a chance to recuperate. A movement break or spending time outdoors is even more beneficial.

Mental/Physical Health Support

Eating healthily and regularly will help give you energy to study and stay alert. Foods such as salmon, berries, nuts, dark chocolate and wholegrains are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and complex carbohydrates, which provided sustained energy and support cognitive function.
Get adequate sleep – sleeping for 7-9 hours every night can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels
Connect with friends who are experiencing similar stress/anxiety to share your feelings.
Seek out support from friends, family, teachers or counsellors. Sharing any concerns you may have can help alleviate stress and provide a fresh perspective.
Make sure to schedule in some guilt-free time for social, enjoyable and relaxing activities.

Exam Day

Be sure to eat breakfast to fuel your body for the day ahead.
Stay Calm: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness to manage anxiety before an exam begins.
Carefully listen and follow instructions provided by the exam invigilator and don’t’ be afraid to ask for clarification.

After the Exam

Stay Positive: Maintain a positive mindset and believe in your abilities. Avoid comparing yourself to others and focus on your own journey.
Have a plan in place for what you’ll do when you receive your results, including both positive and negative scenarios.
Manage Expectations: Remind yourself that exam results are not the only measure of your worth or future success. Explore alternative pathways and options, such as further study, apprenticeships, or gap years.

Additional Supports

Being a teenager can be a stressful, emotional experience at the best of times—and exams can take that turbulence to the next level. For further support visit:

Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800

A Safe Place to Chat Anonymously, Get Support & Feel Better | ReachOut Australia

headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation

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