SUPPORT AT HAND

Well Being Educators Kerry Spina and Kate Martyn with Ella Church 3, Grace and Eliose Davison 4. Picture: Alix Sweeney

of crisis and disconnection. It’s scary because I see young people that have gone beyond self-harming, they’re suicidal.”

Ms Seri said she’s concerned that future generations are going to grow into adults struggling to cope and wanted to see schools make mental health education a priority focus, on par with academia.

She said early childhood was the most crucial for emotional development, and also the area with the biggest gap of care.

“It needs to be brought in on a level where it’s fun and engaging but if it’s just a tick the box subject,” Ms Seri said.

“I’m working at the moment with a kindergarten

CEO of Townsville Private Clinic Amanda Delacy, Activity Volunteer Zac Schumacker and Mates 4 Mates Acting Regional Manager Lauren Kelly

about a mental health program for 3–4 year olds because that’s where the gap is yet it’s where so many brain connections form.”

Focused on newborns – five year olds, Kids in Harmony uses music and play based education classes.

Director Kerry Spina educators used positive said psy

chology methods and “strength based language” to make their little students feel special.

“A very big part of it is educating the whole child so for me it’s about the physical, emotional and social relationship we build with them,”

“It’s a play based environment so we give them the freedom to learn and grow through the practice to give them that sense of identity and belonging.

“At school, at work, we’re all constantly assessed and evaluated but we’re not doing that because for us it’s about building relationships and teaching people to value being present.”

Heatley State School principal Louise Wilkinson has been awarded a prestigious scholarship. Picture: ALIX SWEENEY