In schools, Social Workers provide a consent-based service and the main focus is improving the wellbeing of young people and addressing any systemic or other issues that may impact on the wellbeing or functioning of the young people at school. Social Workers form effective person-centred relationships to achieve positive wellbeing outcomes for young people by collaborating with families, carers, the school community and other professionals and external stakeholders.
Social Workers focus on maximising education outcomes through the development of practices that are safe and inclusive, working to remove barriers and inequalities that young people may face as well as exploring psychosocial needs and providing individualised support. Some examples of psychosocial needs are; grief and loss, gender and sexuality, housing difficulties, relationships, family conflict and mental health.
Social workers can respond to the needs of the young people at school, and the school community by:
- Providing individual and family counselling
- Clinical, evidenced-based targeted group support programs
- Advocacy
- Professional social welfare assessments
- Facilitation of referrals to external agencies and allied health professionals
- Support navigating complex systems; NDIS, Centrelink, and other departmental organisations
The Social Worker at Alexandra Hills State High School is Taylah Budd. You are more than welcome to reach out to Taylah directly if you would like to make an appointment or are seeking any further information regarding the service.
Taylah's email: tgbud0@eq.edu.au
If you are in crisis or are needing further support there are organisations that are available to help. Please see below for accessible links:
Lifeline: 13 14 11 or https://www.lifeline.org.au/
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or https://kidshelpline.com.au/
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 or https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Redlands Community Centre: 3245 2117 or https://redlandcommunitycentre.org/
Headspace: https://headspace.org.au/