From the Wellbeing Team

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas here at NBC! Our wellbeing team starting to wind down with activities and groups, but we are hard at work planning for a packed schedule of activities for 2022.  There are still some groups and activities running across the campuses, but now with a hint more of a Christmas kind of feel.  We don’t want to give too much away just yet, but there will be more wellbeing activities happening next year across our College than ever before! 

With Christmas just around the corner, here are some Christmas time survival tips for you and your kids: 

1. Keeping everyone happy – This one might be the trickiest task on the list, but not impossible.  If you think your kids might want to do things that aren’t on your Christmas Holiday plans, it might be worth sitting down and discussing what the plans are before they happen.  Sure we cant keep everyone happy all the time, but we can let everyone know what they’re in for.
2. Put the kids to work – When school finishes for the year, young minds still need entertaining.  Get the kids helping with Christmas decorating, baking, or wrapping. 
3. Appreciating gifts – This is a good life lesson… its not how many gifts you get that is important, it’s the thought that really counts.  A good way to help kids to learn this skill is to ask your kids to make gifts to give each other (or other family members).
4. Fill your own cup too – When we focus on others, like we usually do at Christmas time, we can forget to look after ourselves.  Make sure you give yourself time to put your feet up and relax.  Even if only for a few minutes a day.

While Christmas time can be exciting and wonderful, we also know that it can bring with it many challenges – perhaps you have lost family members or loved ones since last Christmas, or maybe this year you will be having a less extravagant meal for dinner. Whatever the challenge you might face this year, there is always someone that can help you. Have a look below for some places you can reach out for support this Christmas season:

OneCare Geelong - offers programs and services that promote opportunities for social connections. https://www.onecaregeelong.org.au/

Salvation Army Northside - offers many community programs to meet the needs of the Geelong community. https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/locations/victoria/v193b/northside-geelong-community-centre/

BCYF Geelong - offers a broad and diverse range of services; including housing, family support and counselling. https://www.bcyf.org.au/

Beyond Blue – offers mental health advice and support for people of all ages. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Nathan Brock

Wellbeing Coordinator