Kim's Community Corner- Supports and Services
Taking Care of Your Mind: Tips for our Students to Feel their Best!!
Did you know that just like we need to take care of our bodies, we also need to take care of our minds? Our mental health is super important, and when we feel good in our minds, we can do our best at school, sports, and with friends. Here are some fun ways to take care of our mental health every day!
1. Be Kind to Yourself - Sometimes, we can be really hard on ourselves if we make a mistake or don’t get something right away. But guess what? It’s okay to make mistakes! Everyone does. Treat yourself with kindness and think about what you would say to a friend who is feeling sad or frustrated. You’d probably tell them that it’s okay and that they can try again, right? Try doing that for yourself!
2. Get Enough Sleep - Sleep is like charging your body’s battery. If you don’t get enough sleep, you might feel tired, grumpy, or find it hard to focus. To help your mind feel refreshed and happy, make sure to get plenty of sleep. Try to go to bed at the same time each night and make your bedroom cozy and calm!
3. Talk to Someone You Trust - Everyone has times when they feel sad, worried, or upset. When that happens, it’s important to talk to someone you trust. It could be a parent, teacher, or even a close friend. Talking about how you feel can help you feel better, and the person you talk to might even have great advice to help you through it!
4. Move Your Body - When you move your body—whether it’s through dancing, jumping, running, or playing games—it can help you feel happy! Physical activity is a great way to release energy and feel good. So, next time you’re feeling stressed or frustrated, get up and move around. You’ll be surprised how much better you feel!
5. Practice Being Mindful - Mindfulness is all about paying attention to what’s happening right now. When you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, you can take a few deep breaths to calm your mind. Try focusing on the sounds around you or how your feet feel on the ground. Being mindful helps you feel more peaceful and can make you feel like you have control over your thoughts.
6. Ask for Help if You Need It - Sometimes, we all need help, and that’s okay! If you’re feeling sad, anxious, or worried, it’s important to let someone know. Your teacher, or a family member can help you feel better and figure out what to do next. Asking for help shows strength, not weakness!
Remember - Taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body. You deserve to feel happy, confident, and healthy. By being kind to yourself, getting enough sleep, talking to someone you trust, moving your body, practicing mindfulness, and asking for help when you need it, you can make sure your mind stays strong and happy.
In term 1 of 2025 the Berry Street Evidence Based Program Team will be running a new 5-week parenting group.
The positive parenting group supports parents to learn strategies they can put in place to support their child to:
- Manage their emotions,
- Build emotional resilience,
- Build self-esteem and independence,
- Develop problem solving skills,
- Develop life and communication skills, and
Build healthy relationships.
It will be available to parents of children aged 5-12 living in the cities of Darebin, Yarra, Banyule, Nillumbik and Whittlesea.
Please see the above flyer for contact details.
RELIEF FOR GAS/WATER ELECTRICITY
UTILITY RELIEF GRANT SCHEME -DFFH $650 x2
Relief grants for paying overdue energy or water bills are available to low-income Victorians experiencing unexpected hardship. What is the grant?
The grant provides help to pay a mains electricity, gas or water bill that is overdue due to a temporary financial crisis.
How much is the grant?
The amount of the grant is based on the amount you owe at the time of application. It is also based on the reasons you have given for applying in your application form.
You can receive a maximum of $650 on each utility type in a two-year period (or $1,300 for households with a single source of energy (for example, electricity only).
You can apply for separate grants for each utility (electricity, gas and water).
Who can apply for the grant?
An account holder who has one of the following eligible concession cards:
Pensioner Concession Card
Health Care Card
Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card.
If you don’t have one of these cards but are part of a low-income household, you may also be able to apply. Your retailer will ask you some questions to check if you are eligible before issuing a form.
The grant is available to renters and homeowners.
What are the criteria for the grant?
You must show that you have no way of paying the account without assistance and are at risk of disconnection, and you must meet one of the following criteria:
You or someone in your house has experienced family violence.
You have had a recent decrease in income, for example, lost your job.
You have had high unexpected costs for essential items, eg: medical expenses/car repairs.
The cost of shelter is more than 30% of your household income.
How do I apply for the grant? Phone your electricity, gas or water retailer to request an application. Your retailer will ask you some preliminary questions before starting your application.
Phone your electricity, gas or water retailer or the Concessions Information Line on 1800 658 521 for more information.