In Your Head Conference – Inspiring Our Mental Health Ambassadors
This week, our Years 10 and 11 Mental Health Ambassadors joined more than 1,000 students from across Western Australia at zero2hero’s In Your Head Conference at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. The students were accompanied by College Counsellor Milly Birchmore and English Teacher Gemma Cavoli, who joined them for a day of learning, reflection and conversation.
Designed to build young people’s understanding of mental health and wellbeing, the conference combined inspirational speakers with practical workshops, encouraging students to develop strategies they can use in their own lives and to support those around them.
Learning From Inspiring Voices
Throughout the day, students heard from keynote speakers including Olympic diver Melissa Wu, psychiatrist and health technology executive Dr Kyle Hoath, and mental health initiative founder and Santa Maria College past student Lily Gresele (Class of 2018).
Students also took part in breakout sessions exploring topics such as managing stress, navigating difficult conversations, body confidence, social media, mindfulness, movement and emotional regulation.
Sessions such as Heroes Toolkit provided practical strategies for looking after mental health, supporting friends and recognising when it may be time to seek additional help.
Bringing the Learning Back to Santa Maria
For our Mental Health Ambassadors, the experience was particularly valuable. Their role is not simply about developing their own understanding of wellbeing, but considering how they can use that knowledge to positively influence and support their peers.
Gemma reflected on the value of students discovering the breadth of support available within the wider community.
“For me, the biggest strength of the day was giving students exposure to the enormous range of support systems that are out there. Mental health is complex, and the challenges young people face can vary greatly. For example, some may experience socio-economic disadvantage, while others may be navigating their sexuality or other aspects of their identity that shape their individual needs. Seeing what people are doing to provide care to others in our community is inspirational. “
One of the strengths of the conference was its focus on practical tools young people can use in everyday life. From managing pressure and stress to exploring compassion, connection and healthy conversations, students were encouraged to see wellbeing as something they can actively strengthen.
Milly highlighted how much the students valued the variety of speakers, activities and practical strategies offered throughout the day.
“The girls really enjoyed hearing from speakers who shared both professional expertise and lived experience. They loved moving between the interactive workshops, including breathwork, mental health through movement, and panel discussions with young people and professionals. The free fidgets at the stalls certainly piqued their interest too! Along the way, they learnt more about the different support services available and healthy ways of coping and looking after their wellbeing.”
A Student Perspective
For Year 11 student Felicity, the conference reinforced the difference that open conversations and small, positive actions can make.
“The In Your Head Conference showed me how powerful open conversations about mental wellbeing can be. I’d love to bring that energy to Santa Maria and help students build small, positive habits that make everyday school life feel a little lighter.”
Turning Ideas into Action
The conference aligns closely with zero2hero’s goal of educating young people about mental health, encouraging honest conversations that reduce stigma and empowering young leaders to look out for one another.
Our Mental Health Ambassadors now have the opportunity to bring their learning back to Santa Maria, turning ideas into conversations, strategies and initiatives that can help strengthen wellbeing across our College community.
- Featured, In Your Head Conference, Mental Health Ambassadors, resilience and wellbeing, Santa Maria College, Student Leadership, student mental health and wellbeing, Student Voice, wellbeing at Santa Maria, zero2hero
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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