Ringwood Secondary College Bounce Mental Health Day helps connect students with services
RINGWOOD Secondary College students are spreading happiness to ensure no one is left on their own.
The Bounce Mental Health Day Carnival on Tuesday featured rides, a photo booth, henna art, live music and even a Mr Whippy van — all in the name of positivity.
Student wellbeing leader Anna Benson said the annual event was just one aspect of the school’s mental health focus, with the children having access to a wide variety of support services.
Year 9 student Phoebe Roach, 14, is just one of many children benefiting, with her leading a presentation on positive body image on Tuesday after noticing many of her peers were struggling.
“The media is bringing a lot of people down because they don’t have that particular body type,” she said.
“I used to be insecure too but I changed my mindset this year and I wanted to show people everyone is different and it’s okay to be different.
“I wanted to make everyone feel better.”
Ms Benson said since promoting mental health at the school, there had been significant improvements with mood, happiness and ability in the classroom.
“It’s gaining momentum as the issue of mental health becomes more prevalent,” Ms Benson said.
“When kids are travelling well and they feel included, they perform better all round.”
The carnival day was sponsored by AEU, with students also helping to raise cash.