Toni commented that she feels like she is part of the Club family and doesn't has butterflies before speaking to us, as she feels very comfortable at the Club. She said it was difficult to quantify the impact of our donation of $30,000.00 to pay for a youth worker in the three high schools in the 3216 area, but it definitely has had a big effect.

Toni came into contact with the NAB staff through our member Gerard Sell, and she would like to be able to demonstrate her thanks to both our Club and the NAB staff. To do this, Headspace has put a notice on their eight seater bus, saying that Headspace is supported by the Rotary Club of Belmont and staff of the NAB. The bus is pictured above, and although it is a bit difficult to see in the photo, the acknowledgement is towards the back of the side.

Over the last year 1,364 young people have accessed Headspace from the 3216 postcode area. 914 of these are female, and 419 are male. 389 came from the three schools which the youth worker visited. 1164 came back for a second visit, which is very important. The average age of the young people was 17.

Because of our Club the message is being spread more than before. Because of this, and through a connection with our Club, Christian College asked Toni to speak at the school on the first day of this school year. This was targeted to everyone at the school, including bus drivers, cleaners and anyone who comes in contact with the students. This all increases awareness of the mental health of young people in the community.

As a result of our donation, there are now more connections with the welfare staff of the schools and Headspace is receiving more referrals from them. Also, a key point is that many of the students are also self referring as a result of the program. Many parents are bringing in their children after the student has asked them to. Sometimes these young people want instant action, but have to learn to wait for their turn. Toni said it is good that these young people feel confident enough to ask for help.

Martin did a lot of school presentations and worked with both students and staff. Sometimes it can be a bit tricky if a student wants help, but doesn't want to involve their parents.

Last week was 'Drug Action Week' and Headspace worked with students using 'beer goggles'. These goggles make it difficult to see properly and give a feeling of what is like to be impaired by alcohol.

Through the Rotary Club of Belmont Toni got to meet Gerard Sell and through him the NAB staff have decided to support Headspace with their fundraising. They are hoping to develop a program over the next two years to help with anxiety and aggression.

Grovedale Secondary College has signed up for the Year 9 'Docs and teens' programs. These are run through the GP association, and introduce the students to how general practitioners can help them.

Toni felt another good outcome for our association with Headspace is the fact that some Club Members have rung her for support. She feels happy that Club Members feel comfortable enough to do this.

Another outcome of our donation is the idea of the YFCs (Youth Future Crews) which are now running in the schools. These were piloted last year, and consist of young people working towards improving mental health. Toni applied for a grant from the Federal Government, in which she mentioned our Clubs name, to fund this program. The 3222 and 3214 post code areas are now involved with the YFCs. The 3214 postcode team are tackling smoking, and the 3216 postcode area are working on the 'Are U OK?' message.

Toni applied for more outreach funds to further fund the youth worker working in the schools but was unsuccessful. This was because the Government would then be obliged to apply the same funding to all schools. However, Headspace will to continue the work as much as it is possible.

On the 7/10 there will be another 'Are U OK?' day. Because someone else registered this as a trademark after seeing publicity on the event, last year Headspace had to do this on a date that this person said. However, this year she received a phone call from 'Gavin' who said he had not organised anything yet, and the Headspace could present the day on a day of their choosing. Toni asked us if anyone is connected with a business, to please think about holding some sort of event on that day. On the website there are some ideas. It could be a special staff meeting, a morning tea or anything else. If you are organising such an event, please register it on the website, as this will then provide evidence of its effectiveness if applying for funding.

. 5

Over the last twelve months mental health has been on the political agenda. The Australian of the Year, Pat McGorry, has been very vocal on this issue. Last Wednesday, he was to present the Prime Minister a petition with 80,000 signatures on it. Unfortunately, because of the tumultuous events of that day, this has been delayed. There has been a verbal agreement for 30 more Headspaces to be set up around the country. With Headspace in Geelong, there now is a waiting list as there is so much demand. A third site will be opening in our area in August in Drysdale. Currently there are sites in Geelong and Corio. The total budget for Headspace Geelong is only $415,000.00 which is very small for all the work that needs to be done.