Bupa Australia and Kids Helpline inspire resilience through schools program
A major partnership between Bupa Australia and Kids Helpline is well on its way to achieving its target of rolling its in-school education program to 10,000 children this year.
The Kids Helpline @ School (KAS) Wellbeing program is being delivered in primary schools around Australia by professional Kids Helpline counsellors, and covers a range of topics including bullying mental health and safety.
Since Bupa Australia began its sponsorship of the program in January through to 30 June, more than 6,600 children have taken part.
Friendship, developing resilience and managing emotions were the top three topics of choice selected by teachers for the 218 sessions across 90 schools.
KAS counsellor, Georgia Lucas, was in awe of the amazing compassion and resilience displayed by one group of Year 5 and 6 pupils.
“They truly highlighted resilience in action,” she said. “Some talked about positive messages they give themselves, such as: ‘it’s hard now but it won’t always be’ while others who shared particularly challenging personal stories allowed themselves the vulnerability to cry in front of the group.
“The caring responses from the students around them were inspiring. They immediately provided comfort, hugs and understanding, which added further depth to the KAS session by highlighting the importance of supporting one another and building each other up. This is core to having the ability to be resilient.
“I walked away from the session with a huge grin on my face and happiness in my heart knowing that our program really can make a huge impact to the lives of young people.
Bupa’s shared commitment to the wellbeing of children across Australia has helped make this possible not only for this group of children, but for many more to come.
More information:
For more information on the Kids Helpline@ School Wellbeing program and to register your interest click here.
Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25 – call 1800 55 1800 or visit kidshelpline.com.au
