This week, I’d like to share our School’s ongoing commitment to supporting student mental health and wellbeing, and some important updates on recent initiatives in this area.
Understanding the Challenge
Recent statistics highlight the critical importance of mental health support for young people:
- 1 in 4 young people experience mental health problems in any given year
- 50% of all mental health conditions first emerge by age 18
- According to the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 77% of young people with common mental illnesses do not receive professional help
At St Columba, we recognise that nurturing our students’ mental health is just as crucial as developing their academic abilities. We understand that young people may not always recognise when they’re experiencing mental health challenges, and that’s why we’re taking proactive steps to enhance our support systems.
Mental Health First Aid Training
We are proud to announce that our wellbeing team is currently undertaking comprehensive Mental Health First Aid training. This specialised training will enable our staff to:
- Recognise early signs of developing mental health problems
- Provide initial support using evidence-based approaches
- Respond effectively to mental health crisis situations
- Guide students toward appropriate professional help
- Create a safe space for open conversations about mental health
Our Proactive Approach
We have implemented targeted wellbeing programs that serve two essential purposes:
- Teaching students practical strategies for maintaining their mental health and emotional balance
- Ensuring students know how and when to seek support when they need it
Our students have access to:
- School counsellors and trained Mental Health First Aiders
- Regular workshops and seminars on mental health topics
- Peer support programs
- External support service referrals when needed
Movember Initiative
This month, our staff are actively participating in Movember to raise awareness about men’s mental health. Our recent initiatives include:
- Staff members growing moustaches to support the cause and raise donations
- A collective 60km walk around the school oval, representing the 60 men lost to mental health challenges globally each hour.
- Ongoing participation in organised events promoting positive mental health
If you would like to support our staff’s Movember team, “SCASMEN,” you can find more information here.
How You Can Help
As parents and guardians, you play a vital role in this journey. We encourage you to:
- Maintain open conversations about mental health at home
- Watch for changes in your child’s behaviour or mood
- Contact our wellbeing team if you have any concerns
- Help reduce stigma by speaking openly about mental health
- Support our awareness initiatives when possible
Breaking down barriers to accessing support is a key priority for us. We understand that young people may face obstacles in seeking help, whether due to stigma or uncertainty about available resources. Our trained staff are here to bridge that gap and ensure every student knows how to access the support they need.
Mr Paul Rikmanis
Head of Secondary