NEWS | Wellbeing
Hello families and friends of Winters Flat Primary School.
I very much hope the long Labour Day weekend and shorter week gave you some time to do something you enjoy.
This term all classes at Winters’ Flat completed a workshop in which students identified five trusted adults they could go to if they had a worry or concern while they were at school. A follow-up conversation at home could be identifying five trusted adults they can go to outside of school. Ideally your child identifies people outside of the family also, in your larger social network. Try not to prompt your child if having this conversation by suggesting people.
For many students, spending five days a week in a busy classroom can be overstimulating and exhausting. It is important that students know there are places to go to in the school to get support and/or take a break at various Wellbeing Spaces around the school.
Wellbeing Spaces at Winters Flat
Kids’ Club happens at lunch times on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in Karen’s room (in upper classrooms behind the front office). The space is designed to be a quiet place for students who need some time indoors to rest or play board games. All students are welcome and are encouraged to attend for some time out from the school yard.
Dancing on the Deck happens at Friday lunch time and is run by Bianca on the deck in between the upper classrooms and the office. This is a fun and energetic way to spend lunch time… and what better way than to have a dance!
Wellbeing Office is located in the Creek View building. Hannah is available on Tuesdays and Fridays between 9:30 and 2:30. Check-in with Hannah to see when she is available throughout the day.
Suzanne Kinnersly’s Office is located behind the front office. Suzanne’s office usually has an open door and she is always ready to listen if a student has something they are concerned about.
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The following list is a comprehensive directory of mental health support services. (If your safety or the safety of others is at risk, contact emergency services on 000)
HeadtoHelp 1800 595 212
Cairnmillar Institute (free telehealth counselling) - https://www.cairnmillar.org.au/telehealth
1300 22 4636 (24 Hrs)
Lifeline
13 11 14 (24 Hrs)
Suicide Call Back Service
1300 659 467 (24 Hrs)
Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800 (24 Hrs)
Other helplines
Tandem Support and Referral Line information, support, advocacy or referral for family members or friends who are supporting a person with mental health issues. Call 1800 314 325.
Blue Knot Foundation Helpline information, support or referral for adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse. Call 1300 657 380, 9am-5pm / 7 days a week.
Butterfly Foundation's National Helpline counselling and treatment referral for people with eating disorders, and body image and related issues. Call 1800 33 4673 8am-9pm / 7 days a week.
eheadspace mental health and wellbeing support, information and services to young people aged 12 to 25 years and their families. Call 1800 650 890.
MensLine Australia telephone and online support and information service for Australian men. Call 1300 78 99 78, 24 hours / 7 days a week.
MindSpot Clinic telephone and online service for people with stress, worry, anxiety, low mood or depression. Call 1800 61 44 34 AEST, 8am-8pm (Mon-Fri), 8am-6pm (Sat).
QLife telephone and web-based services to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people. Call 1800 184 527, 3pm-12am (midnight) / 7 days a week.
PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) telephone information, counselling and referral service. Call 1300 726 306, 9am-7:30pm AEST (Mon-Fri).
Brother to Brother, a 24-hour crisis line for Aboriginal men has been set up to provide extra support during the coronavirus pandemic. Call 1800 435 799.
SANE Australia support, training and education enabling those with a mental illness to lead a better life. Call 1800 18 7263, 9am-5pm (Mon-Fri).
The Compassionate Friends Victoria information and peer support for families trying to rebuild their lives after the death of a child, sibling or grandchild, from trained volunteers with lived experience. Call 9888 4944 or 1300 064 068 24/7. Siblings (aged 18-30 years) can use the web chat daily, 3pm-12am.
Open Arms (Veterans and Families Counselling) 24/7 free and confidential counselling to anyone who has served at least one day in the ADF, and their families. Call 1800 011 046.
Mental Health Foundation Australia National Mental Health Helpline offers emotional and practical support to families, carers and individuals with mental health issues. The response team does not provide counselling but can arrange a call back from a trained Psychologist or Counsellor. Call 1300 643 287.
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Hannah O'Keefe
Wellbeing Officer, Winters Flat Primary School
(Tuesdays and Fridays 9:30-2:30)
Hannah.Okeefe@education.vic.gov.au
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*If you wish for your child/ren to participate in sessions with Hannah, please ensure you provide permission on XUNO or sign a hard copy of the permission form available at the office.