I N T E R R E L AT E . O R G . AU
Eliminating anti-social behaviour – you’re making the world a better place
Everybody experiences ups and downs at different stages of their lives, and in the darker times it helps to talk things
over with a professional. Our programs and services are designed to build on people’s strengths and give them the skills
to maintain positive outcomes once they no longer need our assistance. All of Interrelate’s services are offered in an
inclusive environment, where people of all backgrounds can feel safe, welcome and accepted.
Mike’s case study
“Following the expansion of our Family Mental Health Support Service (CONNECT) into Lake Macquarie in early 2016, the decision
was made to base a worker, Les Coe, at Morisset High School one day a week. Twelve months on, CONNECT is playing a significant
role in the life of the school and the local Aboriginal community.
Working with Morisset High School and other stakeholders, the CONNECT team coordinated an event on May 26 (National Sorry
“It was the
best-run
and most
engaging
event the
school has
ever had!”
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Day) to celebrate indigenous culture within the community. The school – in collaboration with students, the local Aboriginal
community and other non-government organisations – participated in a series of Aboriginal activities, including art, craft, dance,
song and yarning circles. The event was attended by about 600 students and 120 community members. A number of teachers were
highly complementary about the event and the way all the students were engaged during the day; in the words of one teacher: ‘It
was the best-run and most engaging event the school has ever had!’
A few weeks later, on June 14, the team ran Love Bites (a school-based domestic and family violence and sexual-assault prevention
program) at Morisset High School, with more than 100 students attending – the school’s largest turn-out to a Love Bites program.
The school advised that it was their best experience of Love Bites, and the students and teachers were very positive about the skills
of our staff in delivering this program. Data we collected from student surveys revealed never-before-discussed topics within the
school: gender identity and sexual orientation. This led to a conversation within the Morisset community-response committee,
which has resulted in the local youth organisation offering to set up a support program for gender and sexual identity.”