WHERE There's a Will (WTAW) goes above and beyond to assist the local community.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Now, the Upper Hunter not-for-profit organisation is seeking residents' support to improve the service it provides to so many people - young and old.
WTAW has partnered with the University of Melbourne's Graduate School of Education to conduct its Wellbeing Survey across all primary and secondary educational facilities in the region.
But, to implement the important review efficiently, the charity desperately needs parents and carers' permission to allow their children to participate.
"We often hear 'I'd love to help - how can I?" WTAW executive officer Belinda Olteanu said.
"Well, we have an easy answer at the moment.
"We want your signature on a consent form.
"In the past four years, more than 70,000 students have taken part in this strictly confidential survey in conjunction with the University of Melbourne.
"Not one of them has ever expressed distress in doing so."
Ms Olteanu said the process was extremely vital for WTAW moving forward.
"The survey is a measurement and reporting tool, which has been developed for schools to examine the wellbeing of their students from ages 10 to 25," she explained.
"It's anonymous, no personal details are collected, and all information output is de-identified and broadly reported on.
"It is not a test or a measure of the individual.
"However, it will provide a comprehensive overview of a range of relevant issues that include but are not limited to wellbeing, physical health, bullying and peer pressure.
"The results will then be used to guide and direct our planning decisions, including what programs we will fund in the future to ensure our children have the best possible opportunity to thrive and flourish.
"They'll also provide a snapshot of which areas require further resources and services in the Upper Hunter.
"Without the survey results, we have, until now, been unable to offer evidence of the need for these services to our government.
"So, it'll provide a chance for all of us to listen to our youth, to learn what they are experiencing and what they believe that we, the community, can do to help.
"Some children may have already brought home information regarding the survey, including an information letter from WTAW, a Plain Language Statement, and a Parental/Carer Consent Form.
"If that's the case, please sign it, return it to school - and participate for the future of today's kids and tomorrow's adults."
