This page has some resources and tips for parents, and where to find activities in your area these school holidays!
The following tips have been collated by NBMLHD School Coordinator.
This information has been put together to assist you in supporting your child or young person in the coming weeks. The end of the school year can be a big relief for young people and the summer break will hopefully provide some rest and relaxation, however for some it may be a challenge. You may find the following information helpful.
It is normal for young people to have ups and downs. However changes in mood, levels of participation and thinking patterns that continue for more than a couple of weeks may indicate that your young person needs extra support.
Changes in mood include:
Changes in activity include:
Changes in thinking include:
If you’re concerned about your child or young person, there are a number of ways you can seek help and advice. If you believe they are at risk of harm you should seek professional support from your GP, mental health service or emergency department.
eheadspace provides free online and telephone support and counselling to young people 12-25 going through a tough time, and their families and friends. https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/
Some helpful factsheets:
Support your young person during the school holidays
How to help a friend going through a tough time
Self-Care for Family and Friends
Supporting your young person – the transition from primary to secondary school
24 hour support for kids and young people.
A free, confidential 24-hour counselling service for young Aussies (ages 5-25), that connects with kids on the phone, via email and live WebChat. Telephone: 1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelpline.com.au
Kids Helpline’s website has separate sections for:
24-hour national telephone crisis counselling service and online counselling
Telephone: 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au
…
24-hour national telephone counselling and online service for people 18 years and over
Telephone: 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
A great resource that includes what to look out for and what you can do for children and young people at different stages of their lives. Resources available for:
helps people in regional, rural and remote NSW who are experiencing mental health concerns by providing advice on appropriate services and resources in their local area. www.ramhp.com.au
You can click on a range of resources on their Get Help Now page:
Sonia Cox is the Lithgow RAMHP Coordinator: Sonia.Cox@health.nsw.gov.au Tel: 0448 125 676
The Mental Health Line is a single number, state-wide 24 hour mental health telephone access service. Anyone with a mental health issue can use the Mental Health Line to be directed to the right care for them. Parents, carers, other health professionals and emergency workers can also use the Mental Health Line for advice about a person’s clinical symptoms, the urgency of the need for care and local treatment options.
GoodGrief – www.goodgrief.org.au/assistance – information on children and grief, young people and grief, and supporting someone who is grieving.
provides online Tools and Tips to help young people communicate safely online about suicide: https://www.orygen.org.au/chatsafe
is a practical online resource to support safe and effective community discussions about suicide. The Community Resources section includes: When someone is thinking about suicide, and helping those bereaved by suicide.
www.conversationsmatter.com.au/resources-community/someone-thinking-about-suicide
Our Health and Wellbeing for Recovery page has useful information about services and information available to you in Bushfire preparation and recovery, including:
These include:
Psychosis; Autism spectrum disorder (ASD); Obsessive compulsive and related disorders; Eating & body image disorders; Depression; Anxiety; Borderline personality disorder; Self harm; Getting help early for psychosis; Recovering from psychosis; Helping someone with psychosis; Psychosis and physical health; Sleep; Getting active.
Try the free Smiling Mind app and see tips for practicing mindfulness at home:
www.smilingmind.com.au/smiling-mind-app
Local Councils usually provide a calendar of activities happening at Libraries, Aquatic and Sporting Centres and other council venues.
Check your local council’s Website or Facebook page for more information.
Blue Mountains City Council: Libraries
Activities in the Blue Mountains available for you and your family!
We are a supportive community of local mums who share and discuss ideas, tips and knowledge about raising our little ones in the Blue Mountains. Ask questions, seek recommendations or have a laugh together… We’ve got this!
blue mountains mums has the latest information and events available in the Blue Mountains for you and your family