MENTAL health services for Moorabool youth have been given a major boost.
As part of a new program operating at Bacchus Marsh College, Moorabool Council, police, Child and Family Services (CAFS) staff and Djerriwarrh Health Services will provide crucial support to year 8 students.
According to the council, research has indicated that Moorabool has higher rates of bullying, self-harm and teenage pregnancy – and more early-school leavers – than many other municipalities.
The college’s assistant principal, Warwick Beynon, said teachers had noticed a particular vulnerability in year 8 students.
“They have been out of primary for a year, are developing more confidence and finding their feet, but at the same time they’re still very young and easily led astray,” he said.
Mr Beynon said as part of ‘Activ8’, experts would work with teachers in class to deliver “real life” awareness lessons, presenting lectures on bullying, drugs and alcohol, building healthy relationships and resilience.
“We have run specific programs to address targeted kids who have low self-esteem or from a situation at home with less opportunity, and we’ve seen the effects and successes,” he said.
“Now, rather than catering for just a few, we want this program to target the wider year level.”
Mr Beynon said the tragic death of young footballer Nathan Prince, a popular student at the college, had helped identify the need for local groups and agencies to work together when support was needed.
“It really galvanised our thoughts. At that time there was a huge outpouring of grief and emotion, and we had to work together very very closely [with] police, counsellors, teachers and social workers. It really takes a village to raise a child.”
CAFS centre manager Paul Huggett congratulated the council on developing the program.
