PENINSULA YOUTH AND FAMILIES experiencing personal challenges can benefit from enhanced mental health and wellbeing through a new facility launched today in Rosebud Secondary College
Fundraising for a dedicated Wellness Pavilion venue – developed by Rosebud Secondary College and supported by Rosebud-Rye Rotary was launched today in Rosebud by the Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor, Bev Colomb. In a Mornington Peninsula first, the Wellness Pavilion will empower youth to better address life’s challenges, develop their personal resilience, connect with supportive services and feel encouraged to thrive. Hailed as a physical and meditative space for youth to ‘become the best versions of themselves’ the Wellness Pavilion will offer meditation programs, counselling support and innovative programs for Rosebud Secondary College students, and families and youth within the wider community. Speaking at the launch, Mayor Colomb said the initiative “Will provide youth and their families with a place to reflect and address the many challenges they may face in their daily lives, and learn mindfulness techniques as they engage with life-affirming options and gain self-confidence.”
“Youth experiencing challenges such as depression self-harm and victimisation can have well founded fears and worries around the concept of who they are and what their options are. We cannot forget the concerning statistics that every year 1 in 7 primary school students and 1 in 4 secondary school students will suffer with a mental health issue, and 75% will never receive help” the Mayor said. Research clearly demonstrates the significant role that social and emotional learning has in supporting academic success, and ensuring the health of a whole community. VIP ambassadors Dr Craig Hassed, Mark Dobson and Sally Fitzgibbons applauded the initiative, emphasising the importance of contemplative places of retreat like the Wellness Pavilion.
“In this modern world there is such a pressing need to provide broader support and life-skills for children and
adolescents and I believe that mindfulness is life’s most important life-skill. It is therefore tremendous to hear that the Rosebud Secondary College and wider community are getting so interested in providing support for
mindfulness and building the Wellness Pavilion. I hope and expect that it will be a great success,” Dr Craig Hassed said. Local mother Julie Campbell, whose family was touched by tragedy after the loss of their daughter to suicide welcomed this initiative and its tangible need in the community. “As a parent I support the vital programs the Wellness Pavilion will bring to our community. It will provide all students access to learning critical skills in resilience and mindfulness, and access to enhanced levels of personal support when needed” she said. Mrs Campbell was joined by local business people who are also pledging their support of the Wellness Pavilion. Ultimately, the Wellness Pavilion helps raise awareness of the challenges our youth face, and that there are alternate options and practices that will help on the Mornington Peninsula. Donations can be made, and further information sought by visiting http://www.rsc.vic.edu.au
