Mental Wellbeing

Good mental health is vital for life. Children and teenagers who are mentally healthy are better able to meet life’s challenges and have stronger relationships with the people around them. They are also better learners who are more likely to succeed at school. Good mental health in childhood and across the school years provides a solid basis for managing changes as they grow.

Counselling

Counselling

Meridian Wellbeing Services host the ACT’s leading, professional, peer-led counselling service for people living with HIV, people impacted by HIV, LGBTIQA+ people, their families-of-choice, carers and allies. Our qualified team provides confidential counselling for people who are seeking support to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

Cyclops

Cyclops

CYCLOPS ACT is a program supporting young people, up to 25 years old who care for a family member experiencing a physical or intellectual disability, mental health issues, alcohol and other drug related issues and/or chronic illness.

Family Support Services

Family Support Services

The Southside Initiative has compiled this directory of Family Support Services. Please share this page with your networks including schools, early childhood centres, community organisations and of course families who you believe will benefit the most.

Koori Girls

Koori Girls

This group is for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children aged 8-16 years old and aims to build links within the community focusing on mentoring healthy lifestyle choices, confidence building, positive role modeling.  

Messengers

Messengers

Messengers is an arts-based youth support program for vulnerable young people and their families operating across the A. C. T. Messengers offers weekly group programs in which participants develop a range of skills across artistic mediums including visual, performing and other creative arts.

MindMap

MindMap

MindMap ACT Youth Portal is a dedicated portal for children and young people (up to 25 years of age) to help navigate Canberra’s mental health system and to find the right service and support.

Parent & Carer Support Courses Term 4, 2024

Parent & Carer Support Courses Term 4, 2024

The Southside Initiative has compiled this directory of Parent & Carer Support Courses on offer across the ACT. Please share this page with your networks including schools, early childhood centres, community organisations and of course families who you believe may benefit the most.

Parentline

Parentline

Parentline ACT provides free and confidential telephone counselling and referrals to parents and carers. It uses a humanist and client/child centered approach to counselling; and it focusses on building relationships based on listening to your child, and problem solving and assertiveness skills.    

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award

The Award is a leading structured (non-formal education) youth development program, empowering all young Australians aged 14-24 to explore their full potential and find their purpose, passion and place in the world, regardless of their location or circumstance.

The Peer Support Program

The Peer Support Program

Peer Support Australia offers an evidence-based Peer Support Program, which can form part of your school's wellbeing strategy. There is substantial evidence that peer support programs contribute to students’ sense of connectedness and wellbeing.

Transition To Preschool 2025

Transition To Preschool 2025

The Southside Initiative brings together a list of community Information Sessions and Resources available to parents and carers to support them with their child's transition to preschool in 2025.

Warm Connections Counselling

Warm Connections Counselling

Warm Connections Counselling provides individual therapeutic support to families with children and young people aged zero to 15 years. This service offers long-term support to parents, children or young people and aims to strengthen family relationships and improve wellbeing.

Youth Services

Youth Services

The Youth Services team provides outreach and activities for young people aged 12-25 years who live work or play in or around Belconnen. Activities are aimed at increasing resilience and developing skills that give young people opportunities to actively engage in their lives and their communities.

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