WELLBEING

Year 5/6 Girls Menstruation Sessions

Last Wednesday Sandy Darwin, a knowledgeable and experienced community health nurse from the Youth Health Hub in Colac, came and delivered a menstruation information session for the Year 5 and 6 girls. There were some great conversations, and the girls were very interested in learning more about their bodies. I’ve included below some resources that you might find useful for yourself in speaking with your young people about this, and other resources that may be helpful for them. 

Please note: The Youth Health Hub is a wonderful support service for young people aged 12-25 years. Sandy is available every Wednesday at the Youth Health Hub for young people if they would like to see a nurse about any questions or concerns they might have about their health. There is also another nurse, Lesley, who is also available on Wednesday’s and Thursday’s. Both Sandy and Lesley can provide support and education to young people aged 12-25 about their health. Phone: 03 5232 5520

Books:

• Secret Girls’ Business | https://www.booktopia.com.au/secret-girls-business-heather-pritchard-rose-stewart/book/9780975011300.html 
• More Secret Girls’ Business | https://www.booktopia.com.au/more-secret-girls-business-fay-angelo/book/9780975011348.html?# 
• Secret Boys’ Business | https://www.booktopia.com.au/secret-boys-business-rose-stewart/book/9780975011362.html?# 
• Girls Stuff for girls aged 8-12 by Kaz Cooke | https://www.booktopia.com.au/girl-stuff-for-girls-aged-8-12-kaz-cooke/book/9780143573999.html 
• Girl Stuff 13+ by Kaz Cooke | https://www.booktopia.com.au/girl-stuff-13--kaz-cooke/book/9780670076666.html 

Apps:

• Clue | https://helloclue.com/ 
  Clue has been rated one of the best free period tracking apps
• My Calendar - Period Tracker | https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lbrc.PeriodCalendar&hl=en&gl=US 
• Flo | https://flo.health/ 
• Life - Period Tracker Calendar | https://apps.apple.com/us/app/life-period-tracker-calendar/id703547387 

Websites:

• Periods: helping children handle them | https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-teens/development/periods-hygiene/periods 
• Autistic Girls and Periods | https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/development/physical-development/periods-and-autism 

Products now available:

There is a lot more variety of products available now that there wasn’t many years ago. Here are two of the more popular options available:

• Period Underwear | Brands such as ModiBody (available online, at Big W and locally at Murray St Market); Love Luna (available online and at select supermarkets and retail stores such as Woolworths, Best and Less, Big W and Target); and Bonds (available online and at select supermarkets)
• Menstrual Cups | Lunette (available online and in select stores such as supermarkets, retail stores and pharmacies); many other brands - Lunette is one of the most popular. 

Free Samples: 

• Libra Girl Combo | https://lovelibra.com/au/free-samples/girl/girl-pads/ 
• U by Kotex | https://www.ubykotex.com.au/free-samples

Local Mental Health Services

• Colac Area Health Youth and Children’s Counselling
  https://cah.vic.gov.au/services/youth-and-childrens-counselling/
  Contact Main Reception: 03 5232 5100
• General Counselling (ages 16+)
  https://cah.vic.gov.au/services/general-counselling/
  Contact Main Reception: 03 5232 5100
• Your local doctor - they can help you get on a mental health plan with a referral to see a psychologist. Currently helps cover the cost of 20 sessions in one calendar year.
• The Orange Door - for women, children and young people who have or are experiencing family violence. They can also help with a range of different circumstances including:
  • If someone close to you is hurting you, controlling you or making you feel afraid, such as your partner, family member, housemate or carer.
  • You are struggling with parenting due to money issues, family conflict, illness, addiction, grief or isolation.
  • You are concerned about the wellbeing of a child or young person.
  • You are concerned about the safety of a friend or family member
  • You are using violence and want to change your behaviour.

https://cah.vic.gov.au/services/orange-door/Local phone number: 03 5232 5500Alternative contact: 1800 312 820

Popular Support Services