What is Children’s Mental Health? Video

Understanding and Supporting Children's Mental Health

Children’s Wellbeing Continuum 

The Children’s Wellbeing Continuum is an evidence-based tool developed to support conversations around children’s wellbeing. The tool provides a snapshot of a child’s social and emotional wellbeing at a point in time. The Continuum has four anchor points that range from ‘Good’ through to ‘Coping’, ‘Struggling’ and ‘Overwhelmed’ (Figure 1). By enabling parents, teachers and service providers to more easily discuss and reflect on wellbeing, the Continuum can support health literacy, and early identification and action when children are struggling.

Resources to support families with children at all ages and stages. Scroll down the page to find the relevant age bracket.

Beyond Blue - Parenting

Emerging Minds works with families and professionals and draws on the latest research to produce free resources that support families to nurture and protect children’s mental health as they navigate the ups and downs of daily life.

Emerging Minds

Kids Helpline is a free, confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. Qualified counsellors at Kids Helpline are available anytime and for any reason.

Kids Helpline.

Resources for parents are also available

Kids Helpline - Parents

The Loddon Children’s Health and Wellbeing Local provides a range of health and wellbeing services to children up to 11 years old to support healthy development and emotional wellbeing.

Loddon Children's Health and Wellbeing Local

The Parenting Strategies website has been created by a team of researchers at Monash University and the University of Melbourne to help parents to manage some challenging issues they may face with their children, including depression, anxiety, and alcohol misuse. It provides practical guidelines, based on high quality scientific evidence and international expert consensus, on how parents can support their child’s wellbeing. 

Parenting Strategies

The Raising Children Network provides ad-free parenting videos, articles and apps backed by Australian experts.

Raising Children

Triple P is an evidence-based program providing simple, practical strategies to help parents and carers manage behavioural and emotional issues in children aged 0 to 16 and reduce family stress. It focuses on building strong relationships, positive communication, and boosting parental confidence through flexible, tailored, and widely available support.

Triple P

Umbo

Umbo provides online speech pathology and occupational therapy appointments. It is a registered NDIS provider.

Umbo

Paediatric Support

To see a paediatrician start by consulting a General Practitioner (GP) to discuss concerns and obtain a specialist referral for a paediatrician to assess developmental or medical issues. 

Process for Seeing a Paediatrician

• GP Referral:A referral is required for private paediatricians or to access public hospital specialists.
• Assessment:The paediatrician will take a comprehensive history, conduct a physical examination, and assess development.
• Waiting Times:Public system waiting lists can be long; private specialists may have shorter wait times.
• Information Needed:Bring previous school reports, teacher feedback, and reports from other health professionals (e.g., speech therapists). 

Please email Concetta.sergi2@education.vic.gov.au if you would like a list of service providers in the Bendigo area. 

Please note that it is not a comprehensive list and some listings could be out of date.

Mental Health Support

To see a child psychologist or counsellor, start by consulting a General Practitioner (GP) to discuss concerns and obtain a Mental Health Plan, which is essential for Medicare rebates.

Process for Seeing a Child Psychologist or Counsellor

• GP Mental Health Treatment Plan:Visit a GP to create a plan, which allows for Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
• Self-Referral:You can contact a private psychologist or counsellor directly without a referral, but you will not receive Medicare rebates.
• First Appointment:Often involves parents first to discuss concerns, followed by sessions with the child. 

Please email Concetta.sergi2@education.vic.gov.au if you would like a list of service providers in the Bendigo area. Please note that it is not a comprehensive list and some listings could be out of date.

Some appointments may be available via telehealth. If you would like to explore this option, please speak to Cett. We will do what we can to facilitate these appointments on site at school during school hours.