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Robina Private 'Buddy's Up' with Mudgeeraba State School

Second local school to receive 'buddy bench' in support of Healthe Care's national anti-bullying and positive mental health campaign.

In March, 2021 Healthe Care Specialty hospitals made a national commitment to team up with local communities to champion inclusivity and healthy relationships in the schoolyard by donating 'buddy benches' to schools on National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence.

Following the success of Robina Private's first buddy bench donation to Varsity College, Mudgeeraba State School is the second school in the local area to receive the schoolyard donation.

To challenge bullying behaviour, promote positive mental health and support students in need, this week we visited Mudgeeraba State School to donate the friendship bench to create a safe space for children needing support from peers or teachers at school.

Mudgeeraba State School is passionate about ensuring their students are 'Upstanders' and by doing so has a formalised approach toward the teaching of social skills.

"I am a Mudgee Marvel. I have the power to influence my peers. I say something or do something when you need help. I am there for you. I will help you get the help you need. You are not alone. I have your back. I am an Upstander!"

Aligning with the school's primary core values and 'Upstander Pledge,' we hope the introduction of their schoolyard 'buddy bench' will help promote inclusion, start conversations about healthy relationships and hierarchy in the playground, as well as provide a place of comfort.

Robina Private CEO Kenny Craig said the addition of the buddy bench would also help students develop fundamental emotional skills they can carry throughout their educational journey and life.

“We hope the introduction of this mental health initiative improves the students’ feelings of acceptance while eliminating feelings of loneliness and bullying in the schoolyard,” said Kenny.

“The buddy bench will help foster the early intervention of potential mental illness and reduce the stigma that surrounds mental health in the community.”

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Thank you to everyone at Mudgeeraba State School, we look forward to seeing how the introduction of this new initiative is integrated into the schoolyard to promote positive play!