Term 2 2017

TERM 2 2017 | VOL: 11| ISSUE 2

CEN T R A L COA S T

INSIDE THIS ISSUE headspace access Primary School Program & Expo Youth Health Training Mental Health & Diabetes

Welcome to term 2 newsletter Children and Young People’s Mental Health team hope you are having a great term 2 so far. Please see upcoming training opportunities, access to relevant services to support your students and some evidence based information. If you are after access to e-MH resources please check out the website http://www.emhprac.org.au/ to see the range of e-MH services available.

Please do not hesitate to contact the team at School-Link if you would like further information about the newsletter content at CCLHD-school-link@ health.nsw.gov.au

Top Blokes Program

headspace access request

CYPMH Clinician Profile

Request a visit from the headspace Gosford and Lake Haven Community Engagement Officer!

13 reasons Why School Leavers Expo Useful Contacts

Contact Details Rachael Cousins/Helen Astolfi Gateway Centre, Suite 1, Level 2 237 Mann St, Gosford 2250 Ph: (02) 4328 7350 CCLHD-SCHOOL-LINK@HEALTH. NSW.GOV.AU

CIRCULATION ADMIN Team Principal Counsellors Head Teacher Deputy Principal Year Advisors

HT Welfare LS Team Staff Room

headspace Gosford and Lake Haven look forward to visiting your school or organisation to promote mental health literacy and help seeking. headspace resources are also available upon request. headspace Gosford and Lake Haven have a range of presentations on all youth mental health topics that can be delivered to students at your school by our Community Engagement Officer.

We match the topic to the number of students present, as topics that may significantly impact on young people are kept to very small group sizes.

After our presentation, we can also come along with our “playground pop up shop” at recess or lunchtime, to informally hand out information and chat with students that may have questions about our services and their own mental health.

We have resources including fact sheets, brochures and other collateral we can bring along to hand out to the students.

If you would like headspace Gosford or Lake Haven to attend your school or organisation please visit: https://headspace.org. au/headspace-centres/headspace-gosford/ or contact headspace Community Engagement Officer silas.pollard@health.nsw.gov.au

PD/H/PE

Please email us through any stories for the newsletter or enquires at CCLHD-SCHOOL-LINK@HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU

Primary School The Getting on Track in Time - Got It program

Got It! is a school-based early intervention mental health program for children who display disruptive behaviours. The program aims to reduce the frequency and severity of conduct problems in young children between the ages of 5-8 years old and to improve the capacity of schools and parents to respond to children with conduct related problems. Got It! is a short term, multi level program delivered in selected schools over two consecutive terms for children in Kindergarten to Year 2 and their parents/carers.

Screening and assessment is completed in the first term and evidence informed clinical group interventions for children and parents/carers are provided in the second term by specialist multidisciplinary Got It! teams. Led by NSW Health in partnership with the NSW Department of Education and Communities the program also includes related professional development for school staff.

Expo Program

2017 Primary School Mental Health Forum and Expo Attention to Connections: Making Relationships Count Kariong Mountains Theatre Hall Festival Drive, NSW 2250 (It is advised to dress warmly) www.eventbrite.com.au/e/2017-central-coastprimary-school-mental-health-forum-and-expotickets-33606718600 FREE Friday 23 June 2017 8.00am to 3.30pm Trauma Informed Education, Attachment and Circle of Security, Sensory Interventions in the Classroom, Children of Parents with a Mental Illness, Got It Showcase and Emotion Coaching Michelle Montgomery, Dr Cait Lonie, Sharelle Taylor, Ruth Phelan, Waverney Inness and Barbara-Jane Murray

Morning tea will be provided. We request you bring your lunch

Attachment & Circle of Security for Teachers Dr Cait Lonie - Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Children and Young People’s Mental Health, Central Coast Local Health District Trauma Informed Education Michelle Montgomery School Counsellor Getting Better Australia/Department of Education Sensory Modulation in the Classroom Sharelle Taylor Occupational Therapist Child and Family Health, Central Coast Local Health District Supporting Children in Families Affected by Mental Illness Ruth Phelan Parenting/Children of Parents with a Mental Illness Consultant Children and Young People’s Mental Health, Central Coast Local Health District Getting on Track in Time: Managing Challenging Behaviours in Schools Barbara-Jane Murray Clinical Nurse Specialist GOT IT, Children and Young People’s Mental Health. Central Coast Local health District Emotion Coaching Waverney Innes Senior Clinical Psychologist Child and Family Health, Central Coast Local Health District

Mental Health Line 1800 011 511

Youth Health Training

Professional Development Many health professionals are uncertain about how to consult effectively with young people. The Office of Kids and Families has developed this one day training program based on proven principles and practices for engaging with young people. The training workshop is designed to equip health professionals with the confidence and essential skills required to work effectively with young people.

Free One Day Training Workshop th

Time and date:

09:00am – 4:00pm. Monday, 26 of June, 2017.

Venue:

Conference Centre, Wyong Hospital Pacific Hwy, Hamlyn Terrace NSW 2263

Trainers

Paul Riviere, Amanda Burfitt, Jacinta Hensby, Dr. Steph Dean

For more information or to inform of special access or dietary needs, contact: Name:

Paul Riviere

Tel:

(02) 4356 9333

Email:

Paul.Riviere@health.nsw.gov.au

Training aims 

To develop the capacity of health professionals to engage, assess and respond to health needs and risks of young people



To develop youth friendly services and reduce barriers to young people accessing services

Training outcomes Participants attending this one day workshop will develop confidence and competence in the following areas: 

Understanding young people’s development and health needs



Engaging and communicating effectively with young people



Conducting a HEEADSSS psychosocial risk assessment



Identifying and removing barriers to young people accessing healthcare

Registration is essential – places are limited to 15 people!

To register, please visit Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/essential-youthhealthcare-skills-tickets-33516674275

Mental Health Line 1800 011 511

Mental Health and Diabetes The initial impact of a diabetes diagnosis on mental health in young people and families.

Simms M, Monaghan M (2016) Journal of Diabetes Nursing 20: 291–6 MaryJane Simms, Maureen Monaghan

Many young people and their families have difficulties adjusting to a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, and these people are more likely to have adverse long-term health and mental health outcomes. Psychological screening for mood and behaviour problems is recommended to occur at diagnosis and at regularly scheduled follow-up visits. Pre-existing difficulties with behaviour or mood, as well as periods such as starting school or moving into adolescence, may require increased support from the mental health team.

A diabetes diagnosis is often accompanied by significant distress in young people and their families. While initial distress around the time of diagnosis is normative, prolonged difficulties adjusting to a diagnosis of diabetes have been associated with adverse longterm health and mental health outcomes in young people. Evidence suggests that screening for behavioural and mental health concerns at diagnosis can identify those young people who are at risk of future difficulties and offer opportunities for early intervention. Behavioural interventions for this population have primarily focused on providing peerto-peer support for parents around the time of diagnosis.

This review highlights recent literature on the psychological impact of a diagnosis of diabetes on young people and their families, and existing interventions promoting psychological adjustment. Clinical implications for diabetes nurse educators working with young people and their families are discussed.

The SANE Guide to Good Mental Health - for people affected by diabetes Living with diabetes can be tiring and worrying for the person affected and the whole family. Diabetes means having to look after yourself every single day. There is no chance for a break. This constant pressure takes its toll, and many people experience feelings of depression and anxiety at times.

Being diagnosed with diabetes means adapting to the practical challenges of managing the condition, such as being careful with foods, checking blood glucose levels and taking insulin. A key challenge faced by people with diabetes is staying motivated to manage their condition.

Some days it seems like no matter what they do, no matter how careful they have been, their blood glucose levels become very high, or swing up and down.

It is no surprise, and very understandable therefore, that some people find this emotionally demanding, and may develop mental health problems as a result.

Type 1 Diabetes is mainly diagnosed in people under 40 and mostly in childhood and teenage years (although it may sometimes occur in middle aged and older people).

It is an autoimmune disease which destroys the insulin producing cells in the pancreas, leading to a build-up of glucose in the blood stream.

Because Type 1 diabetes usually starts in childhood, people with the condition will often have many years gaining experience in managing it. At different times they may feel more or less motivated and able to keep their blood glucose at target levels. However, lots of people describe experiencing diabetes ‘burn-out’ due to the unceasing, and sometimes upredictable nature of the monitoring and maintenance of type 1 diabetes.

This can lead to depression.

People who have diabetes need to take depression and anxiety disorders even more seriously than others, because of the effects of these, both direct and indirect, on the course of the illness.

Depression and anxiety disorders can affect how you make decisions regarding your treatment. As someone with diabetes is actively involved in their day-today treatment - monitoring blood glucose, medication, eating plan, physical activity, and so on - they need to have a clear mind in order to make the best decisions.

Depression and anxiety can cloud thinking and make decision-making difficult. Another mental health issue for people with Type 1 diabetes is distorted thinking about body size, especially among young women, which can lead to eating disorders.

Developing diabetes as a teenager can be especially difficult. For some, big nights out mean meal-times are less predictable, so taking insulin and monitoring blood glucosecan be difficult. Risks associated with drinking and taking drugs are even more significant for a young person with diabetes. For parents, there is a delicate balance needed of giving guidance and support, and also knowing when to hold back. It is important that you plan together to gradually shift the control of the diabetes management from you you to the young person.

When the time feels right talk openly with them about the challenges they may face as they become more independent. A diabetes educator, GP or endocrinologist will be able to provide more detailed advice.

Diabetes Helpline 1300 136 588 can also help with resources for children and young people.

Information sourced from

Mental Health Line 1800 011 511

Top Blokes Foundation The Top Blokes Foundation is dedicated to improving the mental health and social well-being of Australian boys aged 14-24 years. Our mentoring and community engagement programs foster inclusion, build resilience and empower young men to realise and reach their potential. As a result, the Top Blokes Foundation directly addresses the issues of anti-social, risk-taking behaviours as well as community disconnection of young men. We provide a positive platform for young men to increase their social education and become positive role models to their peers. The Top Blokes Foundation outreaches and delivers programs in high schools, community centres, universities, TAFE’s, employment agencies and other community service settings. Each year, thousands of marginalised young men are positively impacted which in turn strengthens their families, schools and communities. The programs delivered are evidence-based and reviewed continuously to ensure they align with the latest research and best practice guidelines as well as remain relevant to young men.

How the Program Works The Junior Top Blokes Mentoring Program is delivered in a school on a weekly basis for one school period, 16 weeks consecutively (across two school terms). Top Blokes Foundation assists schools to select groups of up to 15 young males in grades 9 or 10 and each week, two Top Blokes youth workers deliver the workshop sessions.

All Top Blokes Foundation youth workers hold a tertiary qualification in Youth Work, Social Welfare or Psychology and have experience in facilitating mentoring programs for young people. Each carry current Working with Children and National Police Checks. Youth workers receive ongoing training and development in key knowledge areas such as youth mental health, suicide prevention and intervention, trauma in youth and cultural awareness training with latest best practice and standards.

Program Best Practice The Junior Top Blokes Mentoring Program adheres to all of the National Mentoring Benchmarks as set by the Australian Youth Mentoring Network. All workshop content has been assessed by a clinical psychologist and educators within the NSW Education Department and the program content is continually updated in line with latest research. This program has a stringent evaluation framework to measure program impact, in particular, degree of improved mental well-being, changes in behaviours and attitudes, increase in knowledge and skill-sets.

Crossroads Program This crossroads program can be covered over one or two days and includes the following topics: Alcohol and Drugs, Mental Health, Anger Management, Sexuality, Social Media & Sexting, Sexual Health, Masculinity and Healthy Relationships One Day Junior Top Blokes Program: Educating and Enlightening This program is suitable for male students in years 9 to 11. This program delivery method enables a school to choose up to six workshops to be addressed over the duration of the day. This is best delivered in a round robin set up but can also be delivered in a larger session depending on the school’s needs.

Teacher Training and Professional Development We offer workshops for teachers and educators across a range of topics. Whether it is to equip staff with a wider understanding of mental health in boys and young men; dealing with and preventing problems, issues and behaviour; identifying problems and help-seeking strategies or even supporting your own staff wellbeing.

To find out more or to register your school, please contact www.topblokes.org.au Roger Carter info@topblokes.org.au Program Manager Level 11, 65 York Street roger@topblokes.org.au Sydney NSW 2000 0481 867 853

Mental Health Line 1800 011 511

CYPMH Clinician profile Youth Mental Health Clinician Profile: Hello my name is Louise Whitfield. I have been working at Children and Young People’s Mental Health for 8 years as a Youth Mental Health Case Manager. I am currently in the Youth Mental Health Red Team and have a Bachelor of Social Science and Masters of Child and Adolescent Welfare. As a clinician in Youth Mental Health I most enjoy the delight of meeting young people and their families, to learn about their experiences and to travel the path of their recovery.

I love the flexibility of travelling across the coast to meet clients as well as in the centre. I am also grateful of the dynamic and talented team I work with who are always ready to help and assist. There are more positives than challenges though the hardest part is when you are moved by the client’s story and feel the unfairness and injustice of what has occurred.

I love strength based work. Working with young people and their families’ strengths, at their pace, with their leadership. I am extremely excited about all the research that is occurring in brain development, particularly around trauma and mental illness. It is fantastic to see new discoveries in treating mental illness based on this research. I have learnt a lot in my role at CYPMH and the most useful tip I have learned is to admit when you don’t know something. To use your team or ask for help when you need it. If you feel that you can’t, just do what you can. Take time and care for yourself. Holidays and fun are a necessity!!

How has school-link helped you? School link have been extremely helpful in arranging school meetings, advising on school policy, talking to principals, teachers and school counsellors to provide the best outcome for our clients that attend school. This not only assists me due to my workload it also provides a consistent link to schools from our service.

What’s your favourite self-care strategy? To go to my local beach in the early morning and do Tai Chi. It is extremely relaxing and beautiful to do when the sun has just risen. Walking and going to the beach always helps relax and calm me.

What’s your idea of fun? I love being out in the bush or the garden with my camera. I particularly love taking photos of insects, they are fascinating! Google the peacock spider it lives in Australia and it is amazing!!!

13 Reasons Why Many will have heard in recent days about the recently released Netflix show, ‘13 Reasons Why’. The show is the story of a girl who suicides, leaving tapes for her classmates which place the blame on them.

Youth mental health and suicide prevention services worldwide, including us at MHFA Australia, have expressed concerns about the show, especially the graphic nature of some of the scenes.

Dr Claire Kelly, Youth Programs Manager says, “Telling young people they shouldn’t watch it may reinforce the idea that suicide shouldn’t be discussed. Instead, it’s important for the adults around them to be ready to talk to them about the content, and about what they should do if they or one of their friends needs help.” MHFA Australia has created two documents to help with this: 1. Possible discussion points about the show. It is by no means exhaustive.

2. Summary of the plot and explanation of what material may be distressing or even triggering for vulnerable young people.

For more information and download the documents,

visit mhfa.com.au

If a young person is distressed and in need of support, they call or visit: • Lifeline (13 11 14) or lifeline.org.au • eheadspace (1800 650 890) or eheadspace.org.au • Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) or kidshelpline.com.au

Mental Health Line 1800 011 511

For your students

Everything students, families-carers, schools, services and providers need to know about moving to life after school with disability…. study, work, apprenticeships/traineeships, community connections, advocacy, disability services, support services, technology and more!

You may not think of yourself as having a ‘disability’ but the definition is broad and includes learning disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder, medical conditions, mental illness, physical conditions, sensory impairments, intellectual disability, and much more. Do you have to put in extra effort at school because of your disability or condition? If so, then this Expo is for you.

CENTRAL COAST Enquiries:

No Cost

Bronwyn Flanagan 4325 0792 Bronwyn.carberry@det.nsw.edu.au Tracey Scheitel 4358 2091 Tracey.Scheitel@det.nsw.edu.au

Mental Health Line 1800 011 511

Parking Available

Useful Contacts

Central Coast Transgender Youth Support Group Ages: 12 - 18 Venue: headspace Lake Haven

The School-Link Consultation Line provides support to school staff.

For referral to Children and Young People’s Mental Health contact the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511

Address: 70 Chelmsford Road East, Lake Haven Every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month Time: 3pm - 5pm

Hunter Central Coast and Lithgow Family Referral Service The Benevolent Society Singleton, Cessnock, Dungog, Gloucester, Gosford, Lake Macquarie, Lithgow, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Upper Hunter Shire and Wyong LGAs Phone: 1300 006 480 Email: familyreferral@benevolent.org.au

24Hr Lifeline Crisis & Suicide Support 13 21 11 Mental Health Line 1800 011 511 Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 Emergency Youth Accommodation 800 152 152 Coast Shelter Refuge Accommodation And Food: 346 Mann St North Gosford.

4324 7876 Domestic Violence Line 1800 656 463 Youth Hotline For Legal Aid 1800 101 810 Police – Youth Liaison Officers: Gosford 4323 5514 Tuggerah Lakes Area Command 4356 6233

Mental Health Line 1800 011 511