Wellbeing News
R U OK? Day
R U OK? Day is about being prepared to have the conversation with someone you care about when you feel they may need some extra support. At GEC we celebrated this day and reminded ourselves of the importance of noticing if someone you care about is acting a bit differently.
“If your gut says something’s not quite right with someone, chances are that they might need a bit of extra support from the people around them. They might be acting a bit differently, seem to have a lot on their plate, or simply aren’t themselves. Don’t ignore those signs but instead take some time to start a conversation.”
https://ruok.org.au/how-to-ask
These can be difficult conversations but critical in providing support when mental health and wellbeing is being challenged. You do not have to be an expert and step in to be the “solution provider or problem solver”, you are just saying you have noticed and you are concerned. Check out the link above for advice on how to have the conversation.
Seeking professional support is important - see below for web links to key mental health support services. You can also go to your family doctor or any GP and ask for a mental health plan and referral.
At GEC we are fortunate to have a headspace clinician at the school one day a week as part of the Wellbeing Team.
Thank you to everyone for their support on the day – and for taking the time to check in with people they care about and see if they “R OK”.
https://www.youthbeyondblue.com/
https://headspace.org.au/assets/Uploads/Centres/Midland/If-A-Friend-Is-Not-Okay.pdf
Wear it Purple Day
Glen Eira College stands up for inclusion and diversity and proudly supports our LGBTI+ students. Staff and students wore purple and rainbow in support of “Wear it Purple Day”
Why we wear it purple!
Our Purpose: Wear it Purple strives to foster supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for rainbow young people
Thank you to the members of the Rainbow Retreat who set up our stall for Wear it Purple Day celebrations. Every Wednesday Lunchtime there is a meeting of the Rainbow Retreat in the Wellbeing Centre which is committed to GEC being a safe, inclusive and respectful place for LGBTI+ students.
Thank you to Student Support Worker Alyssa Zumbo and Adolescent Health Nurse Christalia Formoso for their work for and support of R U OK? Day and Wear it Purple Day.
Free School Holiday Programs
During the upcoming holidays two stress and anxiety management programs will be run by staff at BGKLLEN. They will be held at Better Place Cheltenham. Please see the attached flyers for further details.
Mental Warrior (Juniors)
For year 7-8 students
Monday Sept 23 and 30
1:30pm – 3:30pm
Mental Warrior (VCE)
For VCE / VCAL students
Wednesday Sept 25 and Oct 2
10am – 12pm
Bayside Glen Eira Kingston Local Learning & Employment Network (BGKLLEN) is a small not for profit that believes good things happen when communities invest in their young people. Further information about BGKLLEN can be found at https://www.bgkllen.org.au/
Jenny Sanchez
Wellbeing Leader