Minus 18 - Queer Formal

Minus18's Queer Formal Melbourne® is back, bigger than ever than EVER. Join at NGV for the sparkliest night of the year for queer youth.

Date: Sat 1st July, 2023

Where: NGV

Register: Minus18 Queer Formal® Melbourne Tickets, Sat 01/07/2023 at 6:30 pm | Eventbrite

The Adolescent Brain

Adolescence and emerging adulthood are periods of significant brain growth and development. Scientists call the adolescent brain highly 'neuroplastic' because it is a time of organising, construction and strengthening of connections in the brain. Did you know that the adolescent brain is still developing up until your mid to late 20’s! Check out this video from Dr. Dan Siegel about the adolescent brain- Dan Siegel - "The Adolescent Brain" - YouTube. There’s also some really important information about the impacts of illicit drugs on your developing brain- Respect Your Brain (nsw.gov.au).

Smoking and Vaping

Parents, carers, schools, and community all play an important role in protecting children and young people from, and educating them about, the harmful effects smoking and vaping.

Research from the Royal Children’s Hospital shows many parents and carers are not aware of the harmful effects or how their views about smoking and vaping can impact the likelihood of a young person taking up smoking or vaping.

The Department of Education and Training has developed resources to help you learn more about the health risks of smoking and vaping, and some suggestions about how to talk to children and young people about vaping, and where to get support. To access the resources, go to https://www.vic.gov.au/smoking-and-vaping-advice-parents

You can also view this video on smoking and vaping from experts at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne for health advice and tips for starting a conversation with young people.

For more information and support to quit vaping, please go to - E-cigarettes and young people: what you need to know (quit.org.au)

Support during the upcoming school holidays

With the Winter school holidays fast approaching, remember there are various external organisations you can contact for support. See below for more information.

	Name	Contact	Website
Helplines	Kids Helpline	1800 55 1800	https://kidshelpline.com.au/
	E- Headspace	1800 650 890	https://headspace.org.au/online-and-phone-support/
	Lifeline	13 11 14	https://www.lifeline.org.au/
	Beyond Blue	1300 22 4636	https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Online Forums	Reach Out		https://au.reachout.com/
Online Forums	Beyond Blue		https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums
Support Centres	Headspace	Find your local centre online	https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/
	Yarra Youth Services	9426 1455	https://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/services/young-people
	YSAS(Youth Support & Advocacy Support)	Find your local centre online	https://ysas.org.au/our-locations
	Oxygen Youth Space	1800 699 688	https://www.merri-bek.vic.gov.au/living-in-merri-bek/community-services/youth/oxygen-youth-space/
Parents & Carers	Parentline	1300 30 1300	https://parentline.com.au/
Parents & Carers	General Practitioner	Find your local GP	https://www.hotdoc.com.au/

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