Each newsletter the wellbeing team shares information about upcoming events, resources, and other services. Stay tuned!

Frosty mornings, chilly nights, and short days can only mean one thing – the winter school holiday break is just around the corner. The end of term can be a stressful time for students navigating CATs, SACs, exams and (for older students) finishing up their first semester subjects. While some level of study stress is natural, and even healthy, if students have found this time challenging we’d encourage them to reach out to their teachers or the wellbeing team to discuss how they can make changes to help manage these (very normal!) feelings.

The Student Wellbeing team wishes all students, staff, and families a safe and relaxing holiday. Our team will also be taking a well-earned break during this time, so please reach out before the end of term if you would like to discuss further support.

Mental health support during the school holidays:

Your local GP
headspace Counselling: Victorian Government secondary school students including those who have just finished schooling can access counselling services from headspace. During the holidays, students can self-refer by calling their local headspace centre. Students can self-refer by calling their local headspace centre.
eheadspace, online and phone counselling for young people aged 12 to 25 and their families: 1800 650 890 www.headspace.org.au/eheadspace
Kids Helpline, online and phone counselling for young people aged 5 to 25: 1800 551 800 www.kidshelpline.com.au
Parentline, counselling and support for parents and carers: 13 22 89 https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/parentline

Lifeline, crisis support and suicide prevention for all Australians: 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue, online and phone support service for individuals experiencing depression and anxiety and their families: 1300 224 636 www.beyondblue.org.au (including translated resources to help parents and families support young people’s mental health).
Head to Help, digital mental health resources from Australian organisations: 1800 595 212 www.headtohelp.org.au/
Suicide Call Back Service, online, phone and video counselling for anyone affected by suicidal thoughts: 1300 659 467 www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
contacting 000 if you are in an emergency, or at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others.

Community Resources

Butterfly Foundation – Virtual Carer Support Group

Details: These virtual “drop in” groups are a safe space where you can feel free to discuss topics related to caring for your loved struggling with disordered eating. The groups provide opportunities to offer and receive support where you can feel heard and understood.

Who: Parents and carers

Cost: Free register your interest here

When: 11 June, 25 June, 9 July, 23 July, 6 August, 20 August, 3 September, 17 September (online)

Climate Café Series at Melbourne Museum

Details: A special supported Climate Cafe for young people to have open discussions with science and mental health experts about the climate crisis in our shared world. Museums Victoria science experts and youth mental health experts from Orygen and headspace invite young people aged 16 to 26 to attend a Climate Cafe at Melbourne Museum that will involve interactive and visual learning experiences with safe group discussions around climate change and climate-related distress.

Who: This event is for young people aged 16 - 26

Cost: Free, places limited. Register your interest here

When: 25 July, 15 August, 19 September, 4.30pm – 6.30pm

Where: Melbourne Museum

National Consumers Art Competition

Details: Mental Health Foundation Australia’s Annual 37th National Consumers Art Competition is back for 2024, offering budding and passionate artists an opportunity to create and share their work within a supportive community while raising awareness for mental health. Enter the competition with your original artwork(s), representing our National Multicultural Mental Health Month theme of "Celebrating Diversity, Healing Together". Cash and voucher prizes for winning entries. Read more about submission guidelines and prizes here.

Who: All ages (parent/guardian consent required if you are under 18

Cost: Entry fee is $15 per artwork (max. 2 entries per person)

When: Submit your application by 31st July

Raising Learners podcast

Details: Help your child learn and thrive at school and at home with the Raising Learners podcast. Each episode features experts sharing practical advice and ideas for supporting children’s health, wellbeing and engagement in different areas of life and learning. The podcast is presented by raisingchildren.net.au with support from the Department of Education and Training Victoria.

Weekly programs at The Hub, Northland

Details: We have programs and services which support young people get involved, develop employment and leadership skills, and to meet like-minded young people. Check out the range or programs on offer each week. This also includes specialised support who can help you with looking for work, free legal advice, access to health services and more. All supports are free. Email or message the team to make an appointment, or just drop in.

Location: 2–50 Murray Rd, Preston. The Hub is next to Uniqlo, but the entry is outside. Get directions

Contact: 03 8470 8001 (Tuesday to Friday during business hours), YouthServices@darebin.vic.gov.au

Medieval History day

Year 8s immersed in the Middle Ages