Hello Winters Flat families and friends.

Can you believe we are half way through the year?  I cannot! For many the school holidays are a relief and a chance to rest. For many others the school holidays mean juggling work as well as kids at home which can be stressful.

I have compiled here a little list of song and videos to watch with your kids that cover topics such as friendship, emotions, disability, inclusiveness, gender and more. They are recommended for different ages so I suggest watching them first before you show your child/children:

• https://iview.abc.net.au/show/teeny-tiny-stevies (Songs by Melbourne Children’s Band)
• https://iview.abc.net.au/show/disrupted-and-then-something-changed (Written and Directed by local musician and disability advocate Eliza Hull and filmed here in Central Vic.)
• youtube.com/watch?v=KEKhTSagJ3I (How to be a good friend – R U OK?)
• https://iview.abc.net.au/show/i-can-t-go-to-school-today (A series of animated documentaries exploring the experiences of children living with different illnesses and conditions.)

This link is also a wonderful resource aimed at helping young people aged 5-12 years figure out how they are feeling and why. There are a number of questions which lead the user to some stories that inform children how to deal with the issues they are facing. This is something you can do with your child. Or perhaps show your child how to do it and then let them have a turn on their own – if they are able to read and use a computer: https://kidshelpline.com.au/kids

See you in Term 3 :)

The mental health support system is under immense pressure since Covid-19 began last year. If you are having trouble accessing any services please contact me on hannah.okeefe@education.vic.gov.au. I am available for a chat/meeting on Tuesdays and Fridays between 9:30 and 2:30.

By far the best service you can contact if you or your child are experiencing mental health issues is the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. They have a 24 hour number you can call to talk with someone and access services in the region: 1300 363 788 (https://www.bendigohealth.org.au/ChildandAdolescentMentalHealthService/).

If you feel that the stress or anxiety you or your family members are experiencing is getting too much, a psychologist may be able to help. Psychologists are highly trained and qualified professionals skilled in providing effective interventions for a range of mental health concerns, including stress. A psychologist can help you manage your stress and anxiety using techniques based on the best available research. If you are referred to a psychologist by your GP, you might be eligible for a Medicare rebate. You may also be eligible to receive psychology services via telehealth so that you do not need to travel to see a psychologist. Ask your psychologist or GP for details.

There are number of ways to access a psychologist.

You can:

• use the Australia-wide Find a PsychologistTM service. Go to findapsychologist.org.au or call 1800 333 497
• ask your GP or another health professional to refer you.
• Investigate other mental health services, including domestic violence services via the link: https://mhaustralia.org/need-help

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Hannah O'Keefe

Wellbeing Officer

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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.