Chaplain's Spot

“wELLbEiNg”

There many different aspects to our wellbeing in life. When I researched Google Images, there was a huge variety of ideas, including some from schools. If I asked you what gives you a sense of wellbeing, what would you reply? By the way, I’d love to hear from anyone who would like to share their response with me – why not send me an email?

In Australia, a significant portion of the population experiences mental health challenges. Over two in five Australians (42.9% or 8.5 million people) aged 16-85 have experienced a mental disorder at some point in their lives, and approximately one in five (21.5% or 4.3 million) had a 12-month mental disorder, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. 

Many agencies are available to support the wellbeing of our community. Examples include:

• Lifeline: 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. 
• Beyond Blue: Aims to reduce the stigma around mental illness and provide information and support for anxiety and depression. 
• SANE Australia: Supports people living with mental illness, their families, and carers. 
• Headspace: Provides mental health and wellbeing support for young people 12-25. 
• MensLine Australia: Offers mental health support for Australian men. 
• Black Dog Institute: Provides resources and information on depression and anxiety. 
• Kids Helpline: Offers support for children and young people. 
• ReachOut: Provides digital mental health support. 

For me, my sense of wellbeing comes firstly from my faith. This sustains me throughout my life. Time with my family, especially our grandchildren, certainly fills my bucket, as we share fun, and loving times together. Music is a large part of my life. There is music for every situation, whether classical, rock and roll, spiritual, mindful or fun kid songs. 

I really enjoy puzzles, such as crosswords [including cryptic, which my wife Bonnie doesn’t enjoy], sudokus and a variety of others found in monthly magazines. 

The last factor in my wellbeing is perhaps easier for me to find than those who are busy parents – time out. This is a tremendously positive way to maintain wellbeing. It is also a challenge to find the time in a busy family life, whereas, as a grandparent I have more available time to recharge my batteries, and refresh my mental state. 

Whatever works best for you … go with that. Everyone is unique, and we all need to find the best choices to make our lives fulfilled. 

Community wellbeing:  

Toast Tuesday: This free breakfast program runs before school in the SPC, open to all.

Baker Delight goods: We are thankful to Bakers Delight Heathmont, for their generous provision of loaves for Toast Tuesday. If your family would appreciate regular bread or rolls, please email me below, or see me at school. 

Non-perishable items: We have had some food items donated by one of our families. Come and see us at Toast Tuesday to see if they would be helpful for your family. 

Uniforms: We also have available second-hand uniforms in good condition for sale, for gold coin donations. These sales also provide necessary supplies for Toast Tuesday.

Contact: Feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss anything about the above. 

Alan Silverwood: Chaplain - Pastoral care for our community. [Tuesday & Friday]

[alan.silverwood@education.vic.gov.au]

Supporting the School community in emotional, social, spiritual and practical wellbeing. 

Our Chaplaincy program is funded by the Federal Government’s ‘National Student Wellbeing Program’, the GRPS School Council and donations.