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Parenting Spotlight: Monash Youth Services

Monash Youth Services is a key partner of the Student Wellbeing Team. They offer individual 1 v 1 youth support to students – which is ideal for those students who need a little bit of extra support or guidance. They also run a drop in space on Tuesday afternoons.

 

Euneva Youth Space

Do you know that Monash Youth Services run a weekly drop-in space on Tuesday afternoons?
Euneva Youth Space (previously called Study Space) is a drop-in space where young people aged 12 – 25 can choose to participate in study, gaming, art and craft, gardening, information and support.  It is fully supervised and there is access to free snacks and Wi-Fi.  This program is run on Tuesday afternoons from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at Monash Youth Services Level 1, 2 Euneva Ave, Glen Waverley.
This is an ideal location for young people to socialise and engage in their local community in a safe and inclusive environment. This program is funded by the Engage! program and the Victorian Government.

Individual Support is available for young people aged 8 – 25 in the City of Monash. The service is free and confidential offering support, information and referral. MYS prioritises an inclusive and accepting environment for all, including the LGBTIQA+ community.
Some reasons that people will want to speak to a youth worker are:
  • Having a hard time in school/bullying
  • Self esteem and confidence issues
  • Feeling anxious or stressed
  • Work on ways to help you deal with your problems
  • Concerned with your own or someone else’s drug or alcohol use
  • Feeling down or depressed
  • Difficulties with friends or family
  • Want to talk about your sexuality
  • Not sure where else to go for help
To contact MYS for information or support you can complete this brief Expression of Interest Form, email one of our intake workers directly at YRC.Reception@monash.vic.gov.au, call us on 9518 3900 or in person at Level 1, 2 Euneva Avenue, Glen Waverley, Monday – Friday; 9:00am to 5:00pm.

 

Managing worry and anxiety…

As we reach the halfway point of Term 1 it is common for students to start to worry about their academic performance as CATs and SACs commence. Here are 3 ways caregivers can assist students to manage situations where there is discomfort and uncertainty.

1.      Normalise Anxiety: Reinforce to your child that anxiety is a part of life and that it is perfectly OK to feel anxious and that it is a normal part of life. Instead of trying to eliminate anxiety, help your teenager to understand that everyone experiences, and it is something they can learn to manage. Encourage open conversations about their feelings without judgement.

You might say to your teen… 

‘I know you’re feeling anxious about the upcoming exam, and that’s completely normal. Your anxiety shows up because you care about your exam. Everyone feels that way before big tests, but we can work together to manage it.’ 

2.      Encourage Problem Solving Skills: Instead of solving problems for your student, guide them to think through situations and come up with solutions. This not only boosts their confidence but also equips them with strategies to handle anxiety-inducing situations.

You might say to your teen…

 ‘What do you think might happen if you don’t finish your homework on time?’ ‘What steps can you take that would result in the best possible outcome?’

3.      Model Calm Behaviour: By modelling calm behaviour during stressful situations, you can set an example for your teenager to follow. Utilising deep breathing, maintain a calm tone and demonstrating patience shows your teen that it’s possible to approach challenges with a calm mindset.

By letting your child know that you also get stressed and where possible being open about your regulation strategies and problem solving, you can communicate to them that the discomfort can be managed, and solutions can be found.

 

 

 

Mr Paul Graham
Student Support and Resources Manager