Supporting an anxious child video series for families
The Education Directorate has produced a short video series to help families support their child if they are feeling anxious.
The three videos are presented by one of our senior psychologists. They cover understanding and responding to a child’s anxiety and tips about supporting a child when they’re feeling anxious.
Mindfulness Podcast Series
The Education Directorate is pleased to provide a series of mindfulness podcasts guides. These use the five senses as a framework for each of the five sessions.
Mindfulness is the act of attempting to be focussed on where we are and what we are doing in a particular moment. Trying to pay attention to the surroundings and being curious about what we notice. While some people are still when being mindful others may prefer some movement.
Please try one of the short, three to four minute sessions.
Useful support services
Supporting Children
Sometimes it can be difficult for children to understand the changes and uncertainty they may be experiencing. This can make them more vulnerable to feelings of stress, anxiety and sadness. As a parent or carer, there are ways you can support children. Visit MindMap the ACT Youth Portal to learn more.
Supporting Teenagers and Young People
Young people can face particular challenges in relation to their education, friendships and jobs. Feeling overwhelmed and stressed are very common responses to the ongoing change and uncertainty they are experiencing. As a parent or carer, there are ways you can support your teen or young adult through these challenging times. Visit MindMap the ACT Youth Portal to learn more.
Telehealth support service
If your ACT public school children and young people require extra help and assistance, please speak with staff at your school to find out more about the supports and services. If your school recommends the centralised telehealth service, a booking request can be made via an online form or by calling 6205 1559 between 9:00am and 4:30pm.
Support Services and Organisations
There are a range of online and face-to-face services that can help parents and carers to support children and young people.
ReachOut
ReachOut is an online mental health service for young people and their parents, with trusted self-help information, peer-support program and referral tools.
Mental Illness Education ACT
Mental Illness Education ACT (MIEACT) offers programs that support mental health and wellbeing for young people online and through schools across the Canberra region and surrounding area.
headspace
Headspace is dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young people. They’re also here in Canberra if you’d like to speak to someone in person. 02 5109 9700
General Practitioner (GP)
You can also reach out to your GP or health care provider for support. For more information and advice on mental health, visit www.health.act.gov.au/services/mental-health
Additional Support Services
- Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 Lifeline crisis support chat
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 Beyond Blue online chat
- Youth Beyond Blue https://www.youthbeyondblue.com/
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 Suicide Call Back Service online chat and video chat counselling
- Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 Kids Helpline WebChat counselling
- MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78
- Canberra Health Services Access Mental Health: 1800 629 354 or 02 6205 1065
COVID-19
We understand the potential spread of COVID-19 may increase you and/or your family's feelings of stress and anxiety. We have collated a list of useful practical support resources.
The Young Carers Network is a place for young carers to learn about support services, access resources and share their experiences www.youngcarersnetwork.com.au/ 
- The Australian Psychological Society tips for coping with coronavirus anxiety.
- The World Health Organisation has developed this infographic with helpful recommendations
- Emerging Minds have developed a video Talking to children about difficult events including how to manage media coverage.
- Psychological First Aid for children is an internationally accepted strategy that can be used anytime to provide basic steps in responding to children in distress
- Headspace also provides good advice about how to cope with stress related to COVID-19 for young people.
- The Student Wellbeing Toolkit provides online resources to support student wellbeing.
- Beyond Bluehave great ideas on looking after your wellbeing and supporting others.
- Mind, a UK based organisation, covers different ways to look after your own mental health and that of your family and be prepared for a range of outcomes including isolation during COVID-19.
Other Useful links
These organisations can provide individual support or further information.
- Kids Help Line https://kidshelpline.com.au/
- Lifeline https://www.lifeline.org.au/
- Youth Beyond Blue https://www.youthbeyondblue.com/
- Commonwealth Government Disability COVID hotline https://www.dss.gov.au/disability-and-carers/information-and-referrals-for-people-with-disability-and-their-supporters-about-coronavirus-covid-19#about
Carers ACT:
- https://www.carersact.org.au/young-carer-supports/
- https://www.carersact.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Young-Carers-Toolkit.pdf
Anglicare Cyclops program for young carers: