Be You
Be You: The York Way
What is the Be You Initiative? YDHS was one of 300 Western Australian Schools to be successful in nominating to become a ‘Be You’ school in 2019 and continues to implement the initiative as a focus to this present day. Be You is the national mental health in education initiative delivered by Beyond Blue, in collaboration with Early Childhood Australia and headspace. Be You supports educators from early learning services and schools to develop a positive, inclusive and resilient learning community where every child, young person, educator and family can achieve their best possible mental health.
The YHDS Be You Team: The Be You Team consists of members of staff across all areas of the school. They meet 3-4 times per term to discuss, plan and action ideas to best support staff, students and families mental health and wellbeing.
Be You Key Achievements at York District High School:
-As of 2019, YDHS holds an annual Be You- Mental Health Week culminating with ‘Be You’ Day on the Friday during WA Mental Health Week. Be You Week aims to encourage the celebration of individuality by increasing awareness of mental health and strengthening relationships, both within the parameters of our school community and including our town and wider community. We believe that mental health and wellbeing does not discriminate and is everybody’s responsibility. Collectively we can help improve mental health.
-Youth Mental Health First Aid Training for staff in 2021 and 2022 which now means we have over 15 staff with the training and skills to support young people who may be experiencing difficulties with their mental health. Also upskilling more staff in Gatekeeper- suicide prevention training.
-A newly developed Postvention Plan should a critical incident occur.
-On going education opportunities for students and staff through incursions and training opportunities from: Black Dog Institute, Regional Men’s Health, MIFWA, Tomorrow Man and Woman and Smiling Mind
-The Be You Team applies for ongoing mental health grants and have been successful in receiving an $800 grant from Lotterywest in 2020 and a $5000 grant from Holyoake (Wheatbelt Suicide Prevention Project) in 2022.
