National Child Protection Week

5-11 September is National Child Protection Week. This years theme is:
 'Every child, in every community, needs a fair go' To treat all of Australia’s children fairly, we need to make sure every family and community has what kids need to thrive and be healthy. Explore options for getting involved here, including webinar series, posters and kids activities: https://napcan.org.au/get-involved-2021/

Tips for staying healthy and strong during the
coronavirus outbreak

We are all feeling worried and stressed about the coronavirus. Our lives are going to change in many ways, and we have to prepare ourselves now. To stay mentally strong, here are some tips:

1. Be informed the right way - We need to know what the health experts are saying and follow their advice. Knowing what to do is important - not just to stay physically healthy, but to help bring peace of mind. However, do limit how much time you spend on news for your own wellbeing.
2. Be practical and prepared as things change - It’s good to think ahead more than usual at this time. There’s no need to hoard things, but have some back-up food, supplies and medication in storage. Keep a ‘things to do’ calendar and a list of important phone numbers or contacts.
3. It’s OK to be stressed and worried about the virus - What’s not so good is to bottle it up. Talk about your fears and worries with family and friends and get it off your chest.
4. Have hope – This won’t last forever - At some time, the virus will come under control and life will return to something like normal. It’s important to remember this and have hope, even as we prepare to cope with what is ahead.
5. Our culture keeps us strong - We have faced many battles before and survived. Think about our ancestors’ strengths and where we have come from. Focus on what makes you strong for the journey ahead. Remember, our ancestors are always with us.
6. Take time away from the news and social media - It’s important to stay informed, but if the news or TV is stressing you out turn it off for a while. And make sure what you’re reading and watching is reliable, so you don’t waste time worrying about things that aren’t true.
7. Keep in touch with friends and family - When you are outside, you need to keep two big steps away from other people to stop the virus spreading, and you shouldn’t visit other people. But you can still yarn on the phone or by social media. Keep in touch that way – don’t visit!
8. Get some fresh air and exercise – If permitted, go for a walk but remember to keep at least two big steps from anyone outside. If you’ve got a garden or balcony - use it. Exercise as much as you can without going out – it will help with stress.
9. Eat well - Think about what you’re eating and try and eat well - plenty of fruit and vegetables, can make a big difference to how you feel. Some foods also help to boost your immune system so try some new foods or recipes.
10. Be creative or learn something new - Get into playing music, singing, storytelling, dancing and creativity to reduce your stress and raise your spirits. Being creative takes our mind away from our worries and give us joy in difficult times. This is important for children too.
11. Chill out - You might find yoga, meditation and mindfulness helpful, and there’s also dadirri – the deep, spiritual reflection that our mob have been doing for thousands of years. Some people find it easier todo something active first and then chill.
12. Keep the kids happy - Check in with your kids to see if they’re OK, especially if they are behaving differently. Give them some space to explore and be creative, but also spend good time together to and give them reassurance.
13. Keep Elders happy - It’s important we protect our Elders and make sure they don’t get the virus. It’s tough, but for most of us that means staying away, and keeping the kids away, until the virus is under control and speaking on the phone or by internet.
14. Keep yourself happy - Our people are good at looking after everyone else but not so good at looking after ourselves. Do things that make you feel good and build your strength. If you are strong and happy, this will help others to do the same, especially kids.
15. Be kind to others - Everyone will be stressed at a time like this. We’re all sharing the worry and dealing with the virus in our own way. It’s important to put yourself in the place of others at this time, to keep as calm as we can, and be as kind as we can.
16. Find and give space and respect - Wherever you can, make some part of where you live your own space –a small corner, a chair, or a room. Add a plant, a cushion, whatever makes you calm and happier. Create your own space and respect other people’s need for space as well.
17. Create a Stay Strong Plan - Think about all the things that keep you and your family strong and what you might need to help. Learn some new ways to talk about what is going on with the family. Make sure you check in with everyone and see how they are going.
18. Don’t let money worries get on top of you - You may have new or additional money worries until the virus is under control. Its ok to get some support, many people will be in the same boat.
19. Cut back on smoking - It’s important to keep your lungs strong and healthy because the lungs are particularly vulnerable to virus infection. Despite the added stress, aim to cut back or quit if you can. It is also important to not smoke inside or around kids and family to keep them and their lungs healthy.
20. Think before you drink - In times of stress, it might feel normal to reach for a drink. But think first – How might my drinking affect others in the house? Is drinking becoming the main way I am coping with the coronavirus? Talk to your doctor or health service if this is the case.

© Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Sprit) Australia Ltd. Please use with acknowledgement.
For further resources and reliable information, including how to get mental health support, see the longer version of this tip sheet at gayaadhuwi.org.au/coronavirus

We Learn Grant

Variety’s We Learn Grant is now open for applications. The Variety We Learn Grant helps families living with financial hardship to purchase educational technology and supplies.
A computer and internet access at home is an essential part of school life (especially when school and home collide – hello, lockdown!). Not to mention all the extra exercise books, paper, pens and colouring pencils that are now taking up residence on those dining tables being used as school desks! 
Of course, we know not every child is fortunate enough to have all of these resources. And without them, kids are faced not only with significant academic challenges but also with issues such as social isolation that can prevent them from reaching their full potential. Unfortunately, these challenges and risks are often increased in remote and rural areas where kids may not have access to everything they need for online learning. 
The Variety We Learn Grant is here to help bridge the gap.  
Open to families with children aged 4 – 18 throughout NSW and the ACT, We Learn comprises two grants – Educational Technology and Educational Supplies.  

Applications for the We Learn Grant are open from Monday 26 July 2021 and closes at 5pm AEST Friday 3 September 2021 without exception. Apply here https://www.variety.org.au/nsw/we-learn-grant/

National Child Protection Week webinar series

This year’s National Child Protection Week webinar series has been carefully designed to support the theme that ‘Every child, in every community, needs a fair go’.

In doing this, NAPCAN have included a range of discussions that highlight some of the ‘big picture’ issues around child protection. These discussions will bring new dimensions to our collective thinking about how we keep children safe and well. 

This year’s week-long webinar series includes:

• Offical launch: Every Child, in Every Community, Needs a Fair Go 
• What does a community need for every child to thrive? 
• Proud in Culture, Strong in Spirit 
• Northern Territory webinar: What you can do together you can never do alone – Organisations working together for children and families
• How can we ensure children and young people with disability receive a fair go? 
• Queensland webinar: Every child and young person deserves to learn about what respectful relationships look like for them: how do we make this happen? 
• Building communities that keep children safe from domestic and family violence 

To see the full webinar program and register today.