Rochester Secondary College students got behind the mic recently for a special headspace project.
On Monday, May 13, the Rochy students helped create a podcast episode about supporting family and friends in difficult times.
The podcast involved the students interviewing different people about the topic, such as the school’s mental health practitioner, Kirsty Turner.
“It’s awesome to be a part of the podcast,” she said.
“I’ve really enjoyed it, and it’s awesome just seeing how great the kids have done.
“They were so nervous the other day at school practising, and they were so great.”
Ms Turner said it was great to hear the questions the kids had for her, such as what her job entailed.
“They asked really useful questions like what my job is and about the challenges of accessing services in the community. I could’ve talked to them about that for ages,” she said.
“As a mental health practitioner, you don’t spend lots of time with every kid.
“Some of them would see me floating around the school or popping into their classroom but not really know what I do, so it was great for them to see me in this other context, too.”
Headspace has been working with students from across the region to create a range of podcasts on topics important to teenagers, such as cyber safety, vaping and body image.
Rochester student Miranda Crawford said she loved being a part of the project.
“It’s been really good to get a perspective from other people’s views of what they think and what they think the community and friends need for help,” she said.
"I found it really interesting to learn about all the different services Headspace provides young people. It’s really helpful to know, and I don’t think a lot of people know all the services available to us.”