Hello Winters Flat Primary School families and friends,

I have just returned to work after three weeks caring for my daughter who broke her femur at the park - she is on the mend and not long now until she is walking again. I will now be working on Wednesdays and will add another day in the near future.

Hopefully, Term 4 is feeling more predictable for you and your family. This may mean that you are seeing loved ones after a long time, resuming activities and hobbies, spending more time with friends, etc. For many of us, however, the fallout from two years of instability, financial stress, social isolation and many other pressures is still to be felt.

One of the common patterns seen in previous disasters and pandemics is that once the immediate threat has passed, governments and agencies often neglect the longer-term mental health toll. Now is the time to plan for the delivery of sustainable, evidence-based mental health programs. This is crucial for our children and young people.

At Winters Flat teachers and other staff continue to focus on Wellbeing in the classroom and school yard. The Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships program is being taught weekly and many efforts are being made to support students to foster and nurture relationships with each other and the staff after almost two years of upheaval.

What we are aiming for is to have as many children at school experiencing ‘good mental health’. Children with good mental health:

• feel happy and positive about themselves most of the time
• are kind to themselves during tough times or when things don’t go the way they expect
• enjoy life
• learn well
• get along well with family and friends
• can manage sad, worrying or angry feelings
• can bounce back from tough times
• are prepared to try new or challenging things.

As educational staff, we are trained to notice when a child is not experiencing good mental health and will put in place measures to support a child at school. Parents and families play such a crucial role in supporting the child in a holistic, and ultimately, more successful way. As well as in-school Wellbeing measures (coordinated by the principal, your child’s teacher and the Wellbeing Officer) there are various professional support options, including:

• your GP
• a psychologist who is trained to work with children and families
• a mental health social worker
• your local community health centre (CHIRP - Castlemaine District Community Health)
• your local mental health service (part of CHIRP)

If your child is aged five years or older, they can also talk with a Kids Helpline counsellor by calling 1800 551 800 or using the Kids Helpline email counselling service or the Kids Helpline web counselling service.

If you don’t know where to find the most appropriate services for your family, your GP is a good place to start.

If you or anyone you know needs support call Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.

The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) 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/).

The Loddon Orange Door is also an excellent free service for adults, children and young people.  They can link you in with services. They are available 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (closed public holidays). Call 1800 512359

Remember, if you are concerned about the wellbeing of your child for any reason please let the school know so we can support you and your family. Reasons can included changes to your family or living arrangements, emotionally intense events or experiences, mental health concerns such as anxiety and peer related challenges at school or home.

Stay well and stay connected.

Hannah O'Keefe

Wellbeing Officer, Winters Flat Primary School

(Wednesdays 9:30-2:30)

0475801424

hannah.okeefe@education.vic.gov.au

Here are some more good services with integrated support for children, young people and families

Australian Psychological Society

This is a professional association representing psychologists in Australia. The website can help you find a psychologist near you.

Beyond Blue

Beyond Blue works to increase community awareness of depression, anxiety and related substance misuse disorders. The website has an extensive collection of downloadable resources. Beyond Blue’s information line can refer you to relevant services – phone 1300 224 636.

Black Dog Institute

The Black Dog Institute raises awareness about depression and bipolar disorder. It works to improve diagnosis, treatment and community understanding of these conditions. The website has professional support and services for clinicians.

Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE)

This non-profit organisation works to improve the emotional wellbeing of parents. The website has evidence-based articles about emotional wellbeing in pregnancy and early parenthood for parents, family members and friends.

Children of Parents with a Mental Illness (COPMI)

This organisation helps children whose parents have a mental illness. The website has resources for professionals working with these children and for family members. It also has links to other mental health services for adults and children.

Head to Health

This website provides access to trusted, relevant mental health care services, online programs and resources. Whether you want to improve your overall sense of wellbeing or you need help with something that’s concerning you, Head to Health can help you find the support that most suits your needs.

Headspace

Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation. It has centres throughout Australia providing support, information and advice to young people aged 12-25 years.

PANDA

PANDA has a helpline providing information and support for people affected by postnatal and antenatal depression. The number is 1300 726 306 (Monday-Friday, 9am-7.30pm AEST/AEDT). The website also has a range of resources including perinatal anxiety and depression fact sheets to help people understand and cope with these conditions.

SANE Australia

SANE Australia runs education and other programs to improve the lives of people living with mental illness, their family and friends. The website has information on a range of mental health topics. Support is available through online chat or by calling the helpline – 1800 18 SANE (7263). There are also discussion forums where you can connect with others in a safe, anonymous environment.

THIS WAY UP

THIS WAY UP provides evidence-based, online treatment programs for anxiety and depression. The programs are based on cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) principles and include courses on pregnancy, postnatal mental health, mindfulness, insomnia, worry, stress, depression, chronic pain and wellbeing. All THIS WAY UP courses are free when prescribed by a health professional. The site also features a range of free coping and resilience tools to tackle feelings of stress, anxiety, and low mood.

Youth Beyond Blue

This is a national initiative focusing on depression in youth. It provides useful information for young people and their parents and carers, including how to get help and several fact sheets on anxiety and stress.

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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.