Respect and Connect
A skills-based schools’ program to improve students’ understanding of healthy relationships, gender equality, managing emotions and communication skills.
We have been delivering our innovative healthy relationships and mental wellbeing program to schools across Victoria since 2014. Formerly called 'I like, like you’, this 4-session Respect and Connect program provides a supported environment for students to undertake interactive, skills-based activities that help to:
- build social and emotional learning which is a foundation for preventing family violence and enhancing mental wellbeing
- increase awareness of healthy relationships
- promote gender equality
- improve communication skills and self-awareness.
We continually evaluate and strengthen the evidence base of the program and adapt it to the emerging needs of students and schools. Sessions are delivered by qualified facilitators who hold Working with Children Checks and are experienced in working with young people and responding to their wellbeing needs.
Program content aligns with the Victorian Government Department of Education and Training’s Respectful Relationships Curriculum; and the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority’s (ACARA) Personal and Social Capability, and Mental Health and Wellbeing, curriculum.
Why choose us?
- Respect and Connect uniquely addresses the link between healthy relationships, family violence prevention, and mental health and wellbeing.
- The program content aligns with the Victorian Government’s Respectful Relationships curriculum and the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority's (ACARA) Personal and Social Capability, and Mental Health and Wellbeing, curriculum.
- The program is research and evidence-informed, based on 75 years of experience delivering relationship-based services, and continually evaluated to meet emerging needs.
- Sessions are delivered by qualified and experienced facilitators who have experience working with young people and with a focus on wellbeing.
- Delivered since 2014 to 11,766 students as well as faculty and parents.
Program topics
Session 1 - Healthy relationships
- How to identify red, orange and green flags
- Healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationships
- Your own needs and values
Session 2 - Gender equality
- What are gender stereotypes?
- How can gender stereotypes impact relationships?
Session 3 - Emotional intelligence
- What are emotional intelligence skills?
- How can we learn to manage our emotions?
Session 4 - Effective communication
- How to handle conflict
- Challenging online hate and creating a positive online world
- When a relationship ends
Dates/times
Delivered over 4, weekly sessions. Please contact us to discuss your school’s needs.
Pricing
We’re currently able to offer a limited number of subsidised delivery packages to secondary schools within Melbourne and invite you to contact us to discuss how we can support your students’ needs.
Location
Onsite at your school.
Outcomes of the program
Feedback, evaluations and data from students who have participated in our program consistently demonstrate:
- positive improvements in communication
- enhanced conflict resolution skills
- an increased understanding of emotions, empathy, and healthy and unhealthy relationship behaviours.
Students have told us that the most important skills and knowledge gained during the program relate to:
- open communication
- self-awareness
- respect
- empathy.
Evidence shows us that these skills are the foundation for healthy relationships and improved mental health and wellbeing into the future.
Feedback
'I learned that emotional intelligence is being aware of your feelings and emotions and knowing how to control them.' - Student
'Communication is crucial in a relationship.' - Student
'The program affirms and supports other conversations and activities the students do in the curriculum. It gives students an opportunity to have a voice, to consolidate learning about respectful relationships and communication.' - Educator
Contact us
For more information about Respect and Connect, including how programs can be customised to meet the needs of your school and students:
- phone (03) 8573 2222 or 0459 239 371
- email [email protected]
- complete the enquiry form below.
Learn more about our services for children and families
Child and youth safety
Keeping children and young people safe is a priority at Relationships Australia Victoria. View our statement of commitment and Code of Conduct to learn more.
Child and parenting groups
Programs for parents, children and young people about good communication, emotional development and managing conflict.
Connect Me
Free counselling and support for 4-11-year-old children in Gippsland experiencing mental health challenges such as anxiety, distress and trouble sleeping.
early matters
Promoting and supporting healthy, safe, family relationships through educational programs for parents and children living in specific areas of Ballarat and Sunshine.
headspace Bairnsdale
We're proud to support young people's wellbeing through our headspace Bairnsdale centre.
headspace Sale
We're proud to support young people's wellbeing through our headspace Sale service.
headspace Wonthaggi
We're proud to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people in Bass Coast and South Gippsland through our headspace Wonthaggi centre.
i-Connect
Our Family Mental Health Support Service in East Gippsland.
Support for Fathers
Our national project supporting dads and father-figures. We provide resources, information sessions for dads, and professional training for workplaces and service providers.
Youth Enhanced Service - Gippsland
Free mental health and wellbeing support for young people aged 12 to 25 years in Gippsland.