Hey There, Champions of Youth! ??

[Jaie]

One thing I’ve come to truly appreciate is the importance of having champions of youth – those who believe in the potential of young individuals and invest in their growth. These champions can be mentors, educators, counsellors, or anyone who plays a positive role in shaping the lives of young people.

As someone studying rehabilitation counselling and mental health, I’m particularly interested in understanding how we can provide effective support systems for youth dealing with mental health challenges. I believe that fostering a sense of belonging, promoting open conversations, and equipping young people with coping strategies are all essential aspects of being a champion for them.

I’m eager to hear your thoughts on what it means to be a champion of youth. How do you think we can empower young individuals to overcome obstacles and tap into their full potential? Are there any specific strategies or experiences that have shaped your approach to supporting youth? Let’s exchange ideas and insights to continue making a positive impact on the lives of the next generation.

Looking forward to engaging in this inspiring discussion!

[Penny Campbell]

Hi Jaie, you have a good point there – fostering a sense of belonging and promoting open conversations, I believe are essential in helping young people. When it comes to young people, I’ve always believed that a blend of patience, mentorship and encouragement goes a long way. Understanding the world through their eyes and experiences rather than my own. I learn so much from them.

To encourage growth and resilience, I believe it is so important to listen to them and truly make an effort to understand their point of view and their reasoning. Creating a safe and inclusive environment where they can express themselves, no matter what that looks like (sometimes it can look uninviting) can open up conversation and make space for vulnerability. I think we forget that they are still learning to survive in this world and make sense of it as they go along. Their experiences are theirs and we can influence – a power that we need to handle with care.

[Jaie]

Hi Penny ? Thank you for your insights on patience, mentorship, and encouragement. It’s crucial for us to understand young individuals’ perspectives and experiences rather than imposing our own beliefs upon them. By listening and empathising, we create a safe environment for them to express themselves and learn from their unique viewpoints. Allowing vulnerability helps their personal growth. As influencers, we must handle our power responsibly, respecting each individual’s journey. With empathy and an open mind, we can guide and support them to reach their full potential. Let’s continue this conversation. ? Jaie

[Jude Ediae]

Great platform!

Thank you all for your contributions. I fully agree with everything that has been shared so far. As someone who is deeply passionate about youth mental health and has personal experience working with young people in a local organization, I would like to share my perspective:

Encouraging young individuals to pursue their passions and interests is vital in helping them overcome obstacles. We can support youth through various strategies, such as mentorship programs, career coaching, and community partnerships.

By harnessing the power of technology and social media, we can create new opportunities for young people to connect with mentors. Furthermore, building genuine relationships with them is an effective way to make a positive impact.

Lastly, by providing resources, support, and mentorship, we can empower young individuals to reach their full potential.

Thank you all once again for sharing your great insights with us.

[Lyka Little]

Hi both!

This is a great post! I work with youth also and I agree! I have found we really need to show our youth that their opinion not only matters but is important to us. By truly understanding what they are feeling, however we believe their reaction appears to us, is meaningful to them.

What has been helpful for me is talking to young people as equals. Working with youth has taught me how to really be in the moment, flexible and adaptable in my approach! I love the work I do, just seeing the stars in their eyes when they feel understood really makes the work we do truly worth every second.

[Jaie]

Hi Lyka. Thank you for emphasizing the importance of valuing young people’s opinions and emotions. Understanding their perspectives and treating them as equals in open, respectful conversations can have a significant impact on their lives. It’s inspiring to hear about your work with youth and how it has taught you to be present, flexible, and adaptable. It’s great to know there are dedicated individuals like you providing crucial support to young people. ? ❤

[Lauren (Walli) Gledhill]

Great chat space! I love the dedication, when you get to know youth you really do start to see how much the world assumes about them. The stigma I mostly face working with youth is how difficult it can be sometimes for their trust to rebuild. One thing I have learned, is sometimes they test you, and sometimes they do this by trying to push you away, like so many have pushed them away. It can be frustrating for parents sometimes, but a lot of the time in my experience it’s about losing control. They feel like they are losing control, giving them some of that back can be really impactful.

They close down because they don’t trust. But sticking with them certainly does have its rewards in the end. When you break through those walls and get to know what is going on in their beautiful minds, you know they are meant for something greater in this world. And with that, it makes what we do so important!

[Jaie]

I strongly agree with your perspective. It is crucial to establish safe environments that foster trust. Through patience and persistence, we can create an atmosphere where young individuals can regain a sense of autonomy and choice.

[Terry Beresford]

Just sharing some valuable insights! Check out this recent article I came across. It’s a must-read because it offers some fantastic ideas on improving teacher and student wellbeing through transforming relationships in schools. I thought you’d find it really helpful.

article.docx 50 KB Word Document - Click to view

• Copy Download Link

[Cassandra Danskin-Joniec]

Hey Terry!

This was an interesting read! Despite the challenges outlined, I find it encouraging that government actions in Victoria are prioritizing wellbeing in education. It’s pretty evident that implementing positive education is a complex process with its share of obstacles. However, by fostering strong relationships, addressing scepticism with openness, and taking gradual steps, we can work towards transforming our school culture for the better.

[Jude Ediae]

Thank you, Terry, for sharing such an inspiring article on the importance of relationships in schools with us. I agree with Wheatley and Frieze (2007) that prioritizing connection and collaboration is crucial. Studies by Cooperrider & McQuaid (2012) have shown that strong interpersonal links can positively transform school cultures. I also appreciate Roffey’s (2016) recognition of the complexities involved in relationships and the need to create an environment where everyone feels valued and secure. Personally, I believe that cultivating a culture of kindness is incredibly important. Just imagine how the world could be if we all treated each other with little acts of kindness every day.

[Jacinta Longley]

• This is a great article! When we have a sense of belonging, we then have the freedom to thrive and achieve. I particularly love how this ties in with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (in my opinion) that when our relationships are positive and safe it creates a foundation for learning and growth to occur. When teachers are burnt out – no wonder having compassion, empathy and understanding is difficult because they are surviving themselves. When we prioritise teacher wellbeing and fill their cups, they have capacity to pour into the 20 – 30 cups sitting in front of them.

[Jacinta Longley]

This is a great article! When we have a sense of belonging, we then have the freedom to thrive and achieve. I particularly love how this ties in with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (in my opinion) that when our relationships are positive and safe it creates a foundation for learning and growth to occur. When teachers are burnt out – no wonder having compassion, empathy and understanding is difficult because they are surviving themselves. When we prioritise teacher wellbeing and fill their cups, they have capacity to pour into the 20 – 30 cups sitting in front of them.

[Jaie]

It’s absolutely true that a sense of belonging is crucial for personal growth and achievement. Positive and safe relationships indeed provide a solid foundation for learning and development.

You’ve also highlighted a vital point about teacher well-being. When educators are feeling burnt out and overwhelmed, it becomes challenging for them to provide the compassion, empathy, and understanding that students need. Prioritizing teacher well-being not only benefits educators but also has a ripple effect on the students they teach. When teachers are supported and their cups are filled, they can, in turn, better support and nurture the potential of the many young minds in their care. It’s a win-win approach that fosters a healthier and more effective learning environment.

[Teresa Coffey]

Hi all, I thought I would share this… because it is pertinent to the Youth mental health landscape:

? School Refusal: A Community Challenge with Workplace Impact ?

In the land down under, an unexpected challenge is taking root: school refusal. It’s not just about kids skipping class; it’s a complex issue affecting families and workplaces across Australia.

Understanding School Refusal:

This isn’t your typical truancy. School refusal runs deeper, driven by causes like anxiety, bullying, and academic stress. In Australia, 2-5% of kids experience it. That’s a lot more than you might think.

Impact on Families:

• ? Emotional Drain: Parents grapple with worry, frustration, and stress as they try to help their child.
• ? Financial Pressure: Unplanned leaves from work to address school refusal can squeeze family budgets.
• ?‍?‍?‍? Strained Bonds: It can strain relationships as parents juggle support and education.

Impact on Workplaces:

• ? Reduced Productivity: Parents often take unplanned leave, affecting their work output.
• ? Employee Stress: Balancing work and a child who refuses school is a tough act.
• ? Employer Role: Supportive policies help employees facing family challenges.

Community Impact:

It’s not just families; school refusal impacts communities too. Local support networks and resources can get strained. Schools may need extra resources to help affected kids.

How do we then…. raise awareness of this issue and better support families and children? from a workplace perspective, from a government perspective, friend, family member ? I really dont know what the answer is?

[Jaie]

This is such an important topic! When it comes to raising awareness and giving families and kids a hand with school refusal, it’s a bit like solving a big puzzle with lots of pieces from different angles.

One piece of the puzzle could be workplace support. Imagine if employers pitched in by offering flexible work options and helpful resources to parents. That way, they could better balance their jobs with looking after their kids who might be dealing with school refusal.

Another piece involves our local communities, and nowadays, even the online ones. They could step up big time by setting up support groups where parents and kids can connect. These groups could be safe spaces for sharing stories and figuring out ways to cope with school refusal together. It’s all about teamwork and understanding from different sides!

[Fred Williams]

Yeah my wife’s friend has an 8 year old that refuses to go to school because of anxiety, its been since COVID but its tough because it has put allot of strain on them, particularly in her and her husband juggling work duties and trying to home school and work with the school on how to navigate home schooling options. The implications are massive

[Jude Ediae]

Hello Teresa,

Thank you kindly for sharing the great piece with us! Although, I don’t have all the answers. But see my suggestions below:

• Employers can create supportive work cultures to help parents manage their responsibilities, such as offering flexible work hours, remote work options, counselling and paid family leave.

• Governments can increase funding for mental health services in schools and provide resources to help educators identify and address the root causes of school refusal. Policies should also give families access to financial support, including subsidies for counseling and therapy services.

• Friends and family members should provide a supportive and empathetic environment for affected children and their parents.

Thanks again, Teresa for sharing. And great thanks for all you do everyday!

[Fred Williams]

Hey Jude,

Thanks for your awesome suggestions! I totally vibe with what you’re saying, but there’s never any money! That’s the no 1 answer I hear. NZ have it right, they invest in wellbeing not in illness. I do think we each have a role to play like you say, and lets keep doing that well. I wish we could have a more systemic impact tho.

[Jude Ediae]

Hey Fred!

I wanted to express my gratitude for your insightful suggestion and feedback. It got me thinking, we’re pretty skilled at investing/coming up with reactive strategies, aren’t we?

Thank you again for your valuable contribution. I’m excited about the prospect of working together to bring about systemic change in the area of illness prevention in educational settings and beyond.

Let’s keep pushing forward!

Best regards, Jude.

[Teresa Coffey]

1. ?Hello Jude, Thanks for your awesome suggestions and your kind words! I totally agree with what you’re saying. Highlighting your points:

2. Supportive Work Cultures: It’s crucial for employers to recognise the importance of work-life balance, especially for parents. Flexible work hours and remote work options can indeed be a significant help in this regard. It not only assists parents in managing their responsibilities but also enhances overall employee satisfaction and productivity.

3. Government Funding for Mental Health Services: Increasing funding for mental health services in schools is an essential step to address the root causes of school refusal. Early intervention and support can make a significant difference in a child’s life. Additionally, providing financial support for counselling and therapy services can remove barriers for families seeking help. This is a big challenge !!

4. Supportive Social Environment: Friends and family will do and continue to play a pivotal role in providing emotional support to both children and parents facing these challenges. Their empathy and understanding can create a more nurturing environment, helping those affected feel less isolated and more encouraged to seek help when needed.

Collectively, these suggestions encompass a holistic approach to addressing the issue of school refusal, involving employers, governments, and the community. Thank you, Jude, for your continued efforts in making a positive impact on the MHFI community and the lives of children and their families.

[Jude Ediae]

Teresa, it brings me immense joy to be a part of this incredible cause! It holds a special place in my heart, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow on this amazing platform you have created. Your efforts are truly appreciated, and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to you for everything you do, day in and day out. Keep up the fantastic work!

[Jude Ediae]

Hey, Champions of Youth!

Inclusivity and accessibility should be at the center of all services designed for the younger generation. As practitioners, we need to do our due diligence to ensure that our services are compatible with the changing needs and trends of this age group.

How can we as practitioners ensure that our services are inclusive and accessible to a younger audience?

I eagerly anticipate receiving your valuable insights on this topic.

[Lauren (Walli) Gledhill]

Thanks, everyone for this I am really enjoying reading the thread its been very insightful for all of us!

[Shoshi Kenny]

Hey guys! We had some trouble rising up with some students at the school I work at, and I realised something that really made me think about the way we approach youth. First, I picked up that some of the adults who work with my youth have given up and put them in a basket that identifies them with who they “really” are. Trouble.

This saddened me, because, you might know, working with youth, if they hear something enough, they can start to believe it. We all can.

They started to give up on themselves. Saying things like it doesn’t matter I am just trouble anyway.

I decided I wasn’t okay with this so I acted.

First, I spoke to the youth in question, as a person, and as an equal, and I found out they are going through a really tough time at home, and they are having trouble concentrating, which was frustrating them and making them feel anxious and angry they were going to fail. So they became reactive. We put some things in place and I made myself available, and this person, this youth, has gone proactively above and beyond with improving via us putting things in place to support them. The change in the way they are talking about their future is profound.

Second. I thought the adults in question needed a bit of a talking to, from an educational perspective, and I decided to use my free time to teach them about mental health in youth and show them that reactions are not always what they appear on the surface. While I did not intend to make them feel bad at all, I am glad they realised that they were approaching situations like this from an angle that perhaps needed to be broadened.

They are checking in with me regularly before disciplining the kids, which is slightly outside my role description, but I have been able to work well with the wellbeing team for our students, because the kids are coming to me when they need help.

I love that I have become a person they trust, but I am grateful to have been able to teach the team to open their minds to a new perspective.

[Jude Ediae]

Hello Shoshi,

Thank you for sharing your story with us. It’s inspiring to read about how you approach youth in the community with respect and acceptance, creating trust and an environment where they can grow and develop their mindsets.

I also appreciate your efforts in educating adults on how to better connect with and support youth struggling with difficult home lives, helping them foster a positive attitude towards life and their future.

I sincerely commend you for your commitment to these young people, giving them hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Your story remind me of the potential that can be unlocked when adults take a holistic approach, understanding the important of mental health and treating youth as equals. Thank you for providing us with an example that is truly impactful! You should be incredibly proud of the difference you have made in these young people lives. You’re an inspiration. Keep up the great work.

[Jaie]

Hey Shoshi! It’s amazing to see the impact you’ve had on the youth and the adults you work with. I personally get so sad and frustrated when people quickly jump to label and blame especially when it is a young person. They need our support and guidance not our judgment. I love that you took the time to understand their struggles and provide support not only to help them in the moment but also to help them change their outlook on themselves and their future. ❤❤Heartwarming!

[Rae Kruger]

Shoshi, this is an amazing approach an outcome. I think we can often view youth differently or even through the lens that we were raised with a – do as I say – mentality. I wholeheartedly agree with you that youth should be treated as equals.

[Jude Ediae]

Hey Rae, thank you for your valuable input and support. It is disheartening to witness the prevailing perception of youth and the lingering “do as I say” mentality inherited from our upbringing. We must strive to view young individuals through a more empathetic and engaging lens.