Wellbeing
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
Respect sits at the core of all safe and healthy relationships. Just as we have changed attitudes about issues such as drink driving, skin cancer and smoking, we can also prevent violence against women. By calling out disrespectful behaviour, we create a community where everyone feels safe, equal, and supported.
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global initiative to end violence against women. It starts on the 25th of November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and goes to the 10th of December, Human Rights Day. According to World Health Organisation, violence against women is a global public health concern of epidemic proportions that affects more than one third of all women globally. Everyone deserves to live safe and free from violence.
This year SOC raised awareness for 16 Days of Activism by running a Clothesline Project Workshop. The concept is simple: each participating student draws messages on a T-shirt to support gender equality and eliminate violence.
16 Days of Activism is a reminder to connect, listen, and believe people who talk about their experience of gender-based violence. If you or someone you know need support, help is available https://www.1800respect.org.au/
Mental Health Support for Students over the School Holidays
Please refer to the following factsheets that will help students and families to access support if needed, over the school holidays:
- Wellbeing support over the school holidays – for students https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/school/teachers/health/mentalhealth/english-for-students-wellbeing-support.pdf
- Wellbeing support for students over the school holidays – for parents/carers https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/school/teachers/health/mentalhealth/english-for-parents-and-carers-wellbeing-support.pdf
Penny Hsiao
Health Promotion Nurse
Looking after yourself and your family over the holidays
Dealing with Covid-19 over the last 2 years has been very unsettling for everyone. As a result adults, young people and children have all been experiencing higher rates of anxiety. Anxiety is a basic survival emotion that helps us to sense and respond to a threat or danger. It is a normal emotion that sits on the Mental Health Continuum. During Covid-19 anxiety levels have increased, having a negative impact on the way people are managing their day to day lives.
Anxiety is a very vulnerable emotion and can be hard to articulate, especially for children. It can often be expressed as anger or sadness, as these emotions are easier for people to manage and understand. You may have noticed this in yourself or in your children, family or friends.
The best way to manage anxiety is to learn what anxiety is and spot the anxiety body signs in yourself and others. Once you know this you can help yourself and others to be BRAVE.
Please take some time over the school holidays for some self-care and fun family activities. In between your self-care, work and play periods please check out the BRAVE program. It is an online evidence-based program that has been developed by the University of Queensland and supported by Beyond Blue. I think it’s a great resource and has a program for children, young people and adults. It is a great way to help support your children and yourself and prepare for the new year.
If you check it out I’d love to hear what you think. Go forth and be BRAVE!
Martine Potter
Mental Health Practitioner, Student Wellbeing
https://www.alwclarke.com/store/self-care-tips-poster-download-printable