Student wellbeing
Support your teen’s mental health as COVID-19 restrictions ease
Headlines about the impact of the pandemic on youth mental health have left many parents worried about their children and unsure what they can do to help. Now, as restrictions are eased – and school, home and social lives return to something resembling normal – young people are having to make significant adjustments as they face new pressures. Parents need clear, evidence-based, practical strategies to support their teen’s mental health. But this can be hard to find.
Generation Next has made available an article by Marie Yap, Monash University; Anthony Jorm, The University of Melbourne, and Mairead Cardamone-Breen, Monash University to assist parents to support their teenager’s mental health during the pandemic.
They offer nine key tips:
- Parents, look after yourselves
- Keep the conversation open
- Support teens to follow the local rules and restrictions
- Accept your teen’s emotions
- Help your teen work out what they can and can’t control
- Provide support as needed
- Establish routines
- Adjust your expectations
- Look for silver linings
See the full article for the comprehensive study:
Student Wellbeing team
Support for families
There are a number of local agencies and organisations offering food and meals and social welfare support. Families needing extra help are encouraged to contact these agencies. This is a selection.
Launch Housing (Housing support)
Cheltenham - 9556 5777
Mentone Community and Information Bureau (Food Relief)
Mentone – 9583 2436
Pantry 5000 (Postcodes: 3195, 3196, 3197, 3198, 3201)
9772 1251 | Wednesdays 9.30am – 3.30pm
Bayside Community Care – Matt’s Place (food relief)
9585 2455
Matt’s Place - Chelsea
9772 1251 | Tuesdays 9.30am – 12pm
Bayside Community Information and Support Services (BayCISS) Hampton East
9555 9910
Chelsea Community Support Service
0490 330 395
Community Care (Churches of Christ Community Care Auspice) Chelsea
0423 375 714
Kingston City Church Emergency Resources (Christ Church Dingley)
8551 6600
Make a Difference Dingley Village
Mentone Community Assistance and Information Bureau Inc. Mentone
9583 2436