ONEWAVE FREE THE FUNK SCHOOL PROGRAM
There has never been a more important time to let young people know it’s ok, not to be ok.
OneWave delivers 'Free the Funk’ programs in primary schools, secondary schools and universities to raise awareness of mental health. We know early prevention, connection and conversations save lives, so we bring colour to mental health and share tips and tools that young people can use throughout their lives.
Students and teachers are highly encouraged to wear fluro because bright colours make people happy and they also help start conversations about mental health which is often invisible. The Free the Funk programs can be virtual on Zoom or at School.
What happens at the OneWave School Program?
FREE THE FUNK PROGRAM OUTLINE
What age group are the programs for? We provide Free the Funk Programs for primary and high schools.
Location - School assembly, Classroom or Virtual.
Duration - 15 minutes, 30 minutes or one hour.
Example format of session:
Presentation from the OneWave team - raising awareness of mental health through saltwater therapy, surfing and fluro.
Learn tips and tools for taking care of your mental health and how to support your friends and family.
Q & A
Teachers and students are encouraged to dress in fluro to bring more colour to mental health (this is optional).
Additional activities included in one hour program:
Anti bad vibes circle: In the one hour program we create an anti bad vibes circle in smaller groups and students get the chance to share their free the funk tips.
Costs - Programs are free of charge to primary and secondary schools for the first program.
Feedback from the Principal at Vaucluse Primary School:
"Today we had an incredible school assembly in which Grant Trebilco, founder of OneWave, highlighted - in fluro! - that it's ok to not be ok. He spoke about ways in which we can 'free the funk' and led a whole school meditation circle. It was a joyous and happy event which was embraced by our school community. This afternoon our students will be involved in an Anti Bad Vibe Circle which we have implemented as part of our wellbeing program."
Why are preventative mental health programs so important in schools?
Youth mental health is fast becoming a crisis with one in four Australian teenagers experiencing serious mental health issues that range from depression through to anxiety. Youth suicide rates are currently at the highest rate ever in the past 10 years, with suicide now officially recognised as the leading cause of death for young people aged 15-25.
The long-term impact of experiencing mental health issues in these formative years is severe, with studies demonstrating continued negative effects on young people’s overall mental wellbeing and physical health even into early adulthood and beyond.
Early intervention is critical, with research showing that more than 75% of mental health issues develop before the age of 25. These statistics demonstrate a need for greater investments in preventative mental health programs and increased access to community-based mental health services.
How will the OneWave School Program help students free the funk?
Through our school program and the opportunity to join other OneWave programs, young people will discover a brighter future where mental health is something they understand and are capable of successfully tackling with the support of those around them. Some of the tools and tips students will learn include:
How saltwater therapy, surfing and fluro can help you free the funk
Information on warning signs and symptoms of mental health challenges
It’s totally ok not to be ok and ask for help
Information on how to get professional mental health support
Actionable ways to proactively manage your mental health
Tips to help you support your friends/family facing mental health challenges
Different recipes to help ‘free the funk’ including how to create a supportive mental health culture at your school
Many participants in our school programs and their peers also go on to become active participants in our weekly Fluro Friday sunrise sessions where they are empowered to share stories and waves with the OneWave community
OneWave School Experience Testimonial
"Instantly Grant captured the full attention of the boys who were blown away by his honesty and passion for letting the boys know that their Mental Health matters and it was ok to talk about it. Since Grant’s speech the students have felt more comfortable talking about their Mental Health, it has made our community stronger and we thank OneWave for their support."
School Counsellor/Phychologist, St Pauls Catholic College
“Last year OneWave ran the most amazing session with my Year 5 and 6 students at Clovelly Public school. Asking the kids how they free the funk has created some awesome conversations around mental health. I have recently started teaching at a Wilcannia Central School and since being out here, my Year 6 class celebrates fluro Friday every Friday morning in our Yarning circle. It has had the most amazing impact.”
Primary School Teacher, Clovely Public School and Wilcannia Central School
“I've seen so many veterans find healing through surf and saltwater programs. I was incredibly thrilled to witness the work that OneWave is doing in primary schools this morning - teaching kids in accessible language that it's ok not to be ok, that it's cool to talk about it, and how to help a mate who might be struggling... along with sharing wisdom about the power of the surf and connection with others to promote mental health. Prevention, early intervention, and destigmatisation, all wrapped up in a fantastic fluro package!!”
Assistant Director, Clinical Coordination (NSW) at Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling
OneWave School Program Impact
To date the OneWave School Program has reached 35,000 young people in Australia and New Zealand. If you are interested in hosting a Free the Funk Program or running a Fluro Friday at your school we would love to hear from you - send an email to: grant@onewaveisallittakes.com.