The brand-new St Helena Secondary College (SC) Wellness Hub has opened its doors, offering a bright, friendly, and inclusive space for students.

Member for Eltham, Vicki Ward MP, enjoyed seeing first-hand the hard and important work undertaken by staff to ensure all students have access to a warm, welcoming environment where they can feel safe, strengthen relationships and build confidence.

"It’s a fantastic space that’s been created. Couches, snacks, lots of natural light and a variety of places for students to have some quiet time, enjoy activities or even get some pats and chat to a therapy dog. Congratulations to all involved in setting up and building this wonderful resource." said Vicki Ward MP.

Principal Karen Terry is very happy with the Hub, noting how helpful it had been already, given that students who had previously been very difficult to engage, have been coming voluntarily to the Hub to help. Students with anxiety, ADHD and ASD have benefitted greatly from the hub by building meaningful relationships with staff and students.

The school runs weekly activities for students through the Wellness Hub. Activities include: a breakfast program and food bank, Wellbeing Wednesdays where community agencies will come and share experiences and run activities, and Dogs Connect, a bi-weekly activity helping students focus on improving their literacy and numeracy skills with a friendly pooch.

Importantly three is a great regulation space for students experiencing anxiety – 15 minute “time out” in the bean bags, or with the dogs which, giving students a sense of calm and relaxion – and the students are then able to return to class and participate in learning.

The Wellness Hub is an important resource for St Helena Secondary College and will provide increased support for students.