Tuning In to yourself can start with checking in with yourself and asking a simple question: “what can I sense right now?” See, touch, taste, smell, and listen to the world around you and experience the way it makes you feel. You can also ask the question “how do I feel right now?” Identifying what you feel can improve awareness of your surroundings, help focus your mind and understand what is going on inside you.

Tuning in to yourself can also mean identifying things that help or harm your own mental health.

For example, exercise may help improve your mental health and engaging in conflict might negatively impact your mental health. How can I tune in to myself?

Meditating
Finding silence
Going for a walk
Being in nature
Journaling
Practicing self-care
Doing something creative – drawing, painting, knitting
Creating a morning ritual

No time for quiet documentary

'No Time For Quiet' is a documentary which follows participants in a 'Girls Rock' music camp held in Melbourne. Our own Lucy Anderson is one of the five girls featured and shares how music is her lifeline in difficult times. The documentary screened as part of the 2019 MIFF and is now showing on ABC iview for Mental Health month.

Referrals

Students can continue to access Wellbeing support from our qualified practitioners. Referrals can be made through emailing the relevant Student Manager.

Wellbeing services, resources & support

Local Youth & Family Mental Health Services

Kingston Youth & Family Services - kingstonyouth.org.au

Southland Shopping Centre, Cheltenham: 1300 369 436

Information, programs, events, counselling and support for young people aged from 12 to 25 years and their families in the City of Kingston.

Family Life - www.familylife.com.au

Sandringham: 8599 5433 Cheltenham: 8599 5433 Frankston: 9770 0341

Mental Health project for young people 8-14 years of age and their families offering counselling, support, information and education.

headspace Southern - www.headspace.org.au

Bentleigh: 9076 9400 Frankston: 9769 6419

Early intervention service offering mental health, alcohol and other drugs and other specialist support to young people aged from 12 to 25 years.

Financial Support & Assistance

National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007

Open Monday-Friday, 9:30am-4:30pm

moneysmart.gov.au =Free tools, tips, guidance and resource

National Helplines

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au

Free, confidential counselling service available any time of the day or night by phone or webchat.

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au

Call or chat online with a trained mental health professional any time of the day or night.

Headspace 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au

Online and telephone support service that helps young people who don’t feel ready to attend a headspace centre or who prefer to talk about their problems via online chat, email or on the phone.

Parentline: 132289

Lifeline 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Online Youth Support Forums & websites

Beyond Blue forums are a supportive place to connect with people who are going through similar experiences to you. You can read other people’s stories, ask for advice or share your own experience. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ 1300 22 4636

ReachOut Forums is a supportive, safe and anonymous space where people care about what's happening for you, because they've been there too. The website offers information and other resources designed specifically for young people. https://au.reachout.com/

Kids Helpline has information and services to support young people through any problems – big or small. https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Headspace has information and services to support a young person going through a tough time. https://headspace.org.au/

ESafety provides education and resources for Australians to encourage safer, more positive experiences online. https://www.esafety.gov.au/

Online Programs and Apps

Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) is a free online parenting program, but it doesn't tell you how to be a parent. It's more like a toolbox of ideas. You choose the strategies you need. You choose the way you want to use them. It's all about making Triple P work for you. https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/vic-uken/triple-p/

Bite Back is a free, self-guided online wellbeing and resilience program for young people aged 13–16 years old. It uses a combination of fun, interactive activities, quizzes, animations and information across nine positive psychology domains including gratitude, optimism, flow, meaning, hope, mindfulness, character strengths, healthy lifestyle, and positive relationships.

Brave Program is an interactive, online program for the prevention and treatment of childhood and adolescent anxiety. The programs are free, and provide ways for children and teenagers to better cope with their worries.

MoodGym is free, fun, interactive program helps you identify and overcome problem emotions and shows you how to develop good coping skills for the future.

Wellbeing team

Middle School News