KidsXpress

As an official charity partner for STRYDE4 Day, KidsXpress is inviting all workplaces to take part in an inspiring day of purpose, community, and movement - all for a cause that matters: children’s mental health. We’re aiming to raise $25,000 to fund over 100 HOURS OF FREE EXPRESSIVE THERAPY at our Macquarie Park Centre for vulnerable kids who otherwise might miss out on vital mental health support. On Thursday, 24th October, we’re calling on your workplace to join Team KidsXpress and help us make a difference. This is an opportunity to: ✅ Showcase your company’s commitment to social responsibility ✅ Boost employee engagement & team spirit ✅ Create a rewarding experience by turning a volunteer day into a fun challenge ✅ Support a cause that has a profound impact on children’s lives You can choose from one of these events which will be running concurrently: • 10km walk from Bondi to Maroubra • 21km walk from Bondi to La Perouse • 14km ocean paddle from Clovelly Beach to La Perouse Expect beautiful views, live music, scavenger hunts, ice bath immersions, and team challenges that will keep everyone motivated. Plus, every participant will receive a Stryde4Day merch pack! Together, we can transform the lives of children who need our help. Let’s make this day unforgettable - for your team and for the little minds you’ll be helping to heal. Register today! https://lnkd.in/gHsZM9xA Geoff Coombes OAM #ProjectColourTheirWorld #childmentalhealth #Stryde4Day

A new report from the Australian Human Rights Commission highlights the urgent need for prevention and early intervention to protect vulnerable children from entering the child justice system. Through consultations with 150 young people, their families, and various stakeholders, the report emphasises that prioritising child wellbeing and safety is key to keeping children out of the criminal justice system. Governments must listen to the evidence and collaborate across health, education, social services, and justice sectors to improve child wellbeing and safety, ensuring safer communities for all. We’re proud to share that KidsXpress made a meaningful contribution to this report through our submission and are honoured to be referenced multiple times. This recognition highlights our expertise in children's mental health as well as our dedication to advocating for children's rights. We also fully support National Children's Commissioner Anne Hollonds, who tabled this report, in her ongoing advocacy for child wellbeing and mental health, and are grateful for her strong endorsement of our work. Read the full report, Help Way Earlier! How Australia Can Transform Child Justice to Improve Safety and Wellbeing. #AusHumanRights 

Around this time every year, Year 6 teachers across the country notice a familiar trend - anxiety levels rising as students grapple with the reality of leaving the safety and familiarity of primary school behind. Transitioning to high school is one of the most significant milestones in a young person’s life. While schools do an amazing job preparing students for the logistics - timetables, homework, and assessments - the emotional impact of this shift can often be overwhelming. A poor transition can lead to a drop in high school outcomes, making it crucial that students are supported both academically and emotionally during this time. That’s why our School Partnership Program includes specialised Transition to High School initiatives, designed to help students navigate these big feelings and ease their anxiety. Our group of Year 6 students at Hampden Park PS recently shared some fantastic tools they use to manage nerves and stay grounded during this life-changing period. From watching episodes of Bluey to drawing, their ideas are simple yet powerful in helping them face the unknown with confidence. #TransitionToHighSchool #StudentSupport #EmotionalWellbeing #MentalHealth #Teachers #PrimarySchool

We're proud to share our CEO and Founder, Margo Ward's, article on the global youth mental health crisis following this week's publication of The Lancet Psychiatry Commission on youth mental health report. In it, she reflects on the urgent need for early intervention and trauma-informed care, echoing the report’s important findings. Margo highlights that “it’s not enough to simply treat the symptoms; we must address the root causes that lead to these crises in the first place.” While The Lancet's report brings crucial attention to the challenges we face, Margo’s insights further showcase the importance of supporting our children before their struggles become entrenched. We encourage you to read both the report and Margo’s article to understand the full scope of this issue and the collective action needed. Read Margo’s insights below. Explore The Lancet's report here: https://lnkd.in/eCMsaCMW

We’re thrilled to announce that our very own Margo Ward will be the special guest speaker at the Outper4m Mental Health Breakfast on October 9th! 🎤 Margo will explore the critical concept of being trauma-informed, which means recognising that behaviours may stem from past adversity, not personality flaws. By fostering environments where people feel safe and understood -whether at work, school, or home -we can support their ability to thrive. Join us at the The Royal Exchange of Sydney for this insightful and impactful session. Tickets are selling fast, so secure yours today! #MentalHealthMatters #TraumaInformed #KidsXpress #MargoWard #SydneyEvents #ExpertVoice #ThoughtLeadership #SpeakerSpotlight #VoiceforChange

It was great to have our local member, Jordan Lane MP, visit KidsXpress HQ in Macquarie Park yesterday! We enjoyed having the opportunity to show him around and discuss the positive impact our programs have on the lives of vulnerable children. #ChildMentalHealth #KidsXpress #CommunitySupport #MentalHealthMatters #JordanLane #ExpressiveTherapy #MacquariePark

Remember when our parents would tell us to "be the bigger person" to maintain peace and show maturity? While this advice often aimed to teach us empathy, forgiveness and conflict resolution, it might be time to reconsider this approach for ourselves and our children. Here’s why: If someone consistently disrespects or mistreats us, it's crucial to recognise this pattern and take action to protect our peace. Forgiving and forgetting may work in some situations, but when negative behaviour becomes a constant, it's a sign to set firm boundaries. The Psychology Behind It: Boundaries and Self-Respect: Setting personal boundaries is essential for maintaining mental health. Boundaries serve as protective measures that safeguard our well-being and reinforce our self-respect. Allowing ongoing mistreatment can lead to feelings of low self-worth and increased stress. By establishing and maintaining boundaries, we’re affirming our value and ensuring our environment supports our health and happiness. Empowerment: Taking a stand against mistreatment empowers us to reclaim control over our life. Empowerment is about actively choosing what's best for our mental and emotional well-being. It means making decisions that reflect our worth and refusing to tolerate disrespect. This proactive approach helps to build confidence and reinforces our ability to protect ourselves. Impact on Other Relationships: When we allow mistreatment from others, it often manifests in other ways or relationships. This can lead to a cycle of accepting disrespect and can negatively affect our interactions with others. By addressing and cutting off toxic relationships, we set a precedent for how we deserve to be treated and create healthier dynamics in all areas of our life. Remember, self-care means prioritising our mental and emotional health, so let’s surround ourselves with people who respect and uplift us, even if that means not being ‘the bigger person.’ #SelfCareSunday

Feeling stressed? Try belting out your favourite song! Research shows that singing has significant benefits for our mental and physical health. Here’s How: 1. Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Singing stimulates the vagus nerve, a crucial component of the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body relax and digest. This activation can lower our heart rate and blood pressure, promoting relaxation. Essentially, the rhythmic breathing and vocalisation involved in singing enhance vagal tone, leading to a calming effect on the body. 2. Release of Happy Hormones: When we sing out loud, our brain releases endorphins and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters associated with pleasure and happiness. This biochemical response can counteract stress and improve mood. Singing also reduces cortisol levels, the hormone related to stress, thereby helping to alleviate anxiety and promote a sense of well-being. 3. Improved Heart Rate Variability (HRV): Studies in sound therapy show that musical engagement, including singing, can retrain neural pathways and enhance HRV, a marker of good autonomic nervous system regulation. Improved HRV is linked to better stress management and emotional health. Practical Benefits: - Enhanced Digestion: By stimulating the vagus nerve, singing can also aid in digestion and nutrient absorption, contributing to overall physical health. - Social Connection: Singing in groups, such as choirs, fosters a sense of community and belonging, which is beneficial for mental health. This collective experience promotes feelings of trust and cooperation. For a deeper dive into the science behind singing and its benefits, check out https://buff.ly/4frSCby So here’s your free pass to holding your own ‘world tour’. Turn up the volume and sing your stress away!

Many well-meaning parents aim to toughen their children up, hoping to prepare them for life's challenges. While resilience is essential, there's a risk of going too far and inadvertently raising children who lack empathy and concern for others. Children learn emotional responses and social behaviours from their primary caregivers. Emphasising toughness without emotional intelligence can lead to difficulties in forming healthy relationships and understanding others' feelings. Empathy is crucial for mental health and social development. Children who understand and feel the pain of others are more likely to develop into compassionate, socially adjusted adults. Overemphasis on resilience might suppress these vital traits, leading to emotional detachment. Parenting Tips: Balance is Key: Encourage resilience but also model and teach empathy. Show your children how to be strong and kind. Open Communication: Discuss emotions openly. Validate their feelings and teach them to do the same for others. Role-Playing: Use scenarios to practice empathetic responses, helping them understand different perspectives. By fostering both resilience and empathy, we can raise children who are not only strong but also kind-hearted and emotionally intelligent. Striking this balance is challenging, but even the effort itself makes a significant difference. #parentingtips #childmentalhealth #empathy #resilience

Are you a teacher or a professional working with children? Join us for our transformative 3-hour workshop dedicated to strengthening the emotional wellbeing of children under the age of 12. This workshop is designed to equip you with essential knowledge and practical strategies to support children, especially those impacted by trauma, in your educational environment. What You Will Learn: * Understanding Trauma: Gain foundational knowledge about trauma, its different types, and how it affects the developing brains and behaviours of children. * Building Confidence and Capacity: Develop a deeper understanding of trauma-informed education to enhance your ability to support children impacted by trauma. * Practical Strategies: Learn both verbal and non-verbal techniques to effectively support children in the classroom and school environment. Register Now! Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children. Secure your spot today and learn from experienced professionals who specialise in child wellbeing and trauma-informed care.