A project for the PBC community by the Year 12 Health class.

Investing in and building mental strength should be no different to building physical strength. We all would benefit from increased mental strength. Building strength requires time, intent, focus, effort and knowledge from experts. RED(M)S will provide some expert knowledge to students and parents.

In Australia, current statistics show that 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness in any year. 45% of Australians experience a mental illness at some stage in their lives. For our youth, 1 in 5 display the symptoms of a mental illness. Devastatingly, suicide is the second most common cause of death for 15 to 24 year olds, with boys at a higher risk than girls.

Beginning next Monday, RED(M)S is a 2 week project focusing on development of behaviours to support mental health of self and others. During lunch times there will be a range of activities for students to engage in. If you ever feel stressed, angry, frustrated, stuck, alone or afraid then there will be something for you.

On Wednesday 3rd March there will be a parent information session providing support for parents who have children that experience any of the mental symptoms expressed above. Further information about this session will be advertised through the PBC Facebook page later this week. Attendance is limited so be sure to book your (free) spot early.

Shane Roberts
Head of Department
(Health and Physical Education)