Hundreds of school chaplaincy roles remain vacant across Australia, as demand grows for relational support in student wellbeing.

A growing number of Australian schools are seeking Chaplains, with over 200 vacancies across the country representing a vital gap in student wellbeing support.

SU Australia is one of the nation’s largest school chaplaincy providers. Recognising the important social and spiritual role chaplains fill in school communities, they’re urgently seeking recruits.

“Chaplaincy ultimately is really quite a practical and relational role,” shared SU Australia Executive Christy Mahrin.

“They might spend time one-on-one with a student who’s struggling or run small groups around things like resilience or friendship, essentially being a consistent presence in the playground, in the classroom.”

One of the reasons chaplains are such a necessary fixture in student wellbeing teams is that they have time to give students that teachers and other staff don’t always have the luxury of offering.

“Kids have got a lot going on,” Christy said.

“Often they’re looking for another caring adult to speak with that maybe is outside their family.

“Chaplains have the time to sit with the student, where maybe a teacher or another staff member who would love to do that may not have as much time and availability to do so.”

Interestingly, a recent SU Australia survey found that one of the main concerns young people want to talk through is the effect of the rising cost of living.

“We run a survey in term three each year that captures the crux of the issues that chaplains are speaking with students about,” Christy said.

“The cost of living bumped up to the top of the list in the last 12 months.

“Historically, it’s been more things like friendship issues and bullying – which were still in the top five – but kids are worried and needing support.”

A wide variety of people can be chaplains, with the main requirement being an ability to build rapport with the students and care for their concerns.

“I’m always very surprised by how diverse our chaplain team is,” Christy said.

“It’s not about a specific background or experience but being relational and grounded.

“Just bringing what you have, bringing that care and support [and] being able to show that you genuinely care.”

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

About the Author: Laura Bennett is a media professional, broadcaster and writer from Sydney, Australia.

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We know social and environmental factors can influence symptoms of depression, but what about genetics? Does our ancestry play into how we process life’s stressful events?

This article discusses mental health topics.  If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

Fresh research from McGill University and the Douglas Institute looked at the effects of depression on the brain and, after examining post-mortem brain tissue from individuals who died during an episode of major depressive disorder, found that certain neurons and microglia may function differently in people living with depression – disrupting systems related to mood, stress and inflammation.

“Our genetic makeup can influence how sensitive we are to stress and how we respond to it,” Clarity Health Care Psychologist Enzo Somosi said.

“For some people, that heightened sensitivity can make them more vulnerable to mental health struggles, but it doesn’t mean those challenges are inevitable.”

Enzo explained on a physical level, depression can influence the way different areas of the brain “talk” to each other – some regions may show inflammation or thinning, while hormones such as cortisol can become irregular – and while genetics also play a part it’s not in a deterministic way.

“It’s best to think of mental health issues as the result of a gene–environment interaction,” Enzo said.

“Genes can make someone more sensitive to stress, [but] supportive environments or mental health interventions can offset that risk.” The “dandelion-orchid” theory created by Dr. W. Thomas Boyce is often used by mental health practitioners to assess how sensitive a person is to their environment.

“The dandelion–orchid idea is a really helpful way to understand how our genes and our environment work together,” Enzo said.

“Some people are a bit like dandelions – they can grow almost anywhere.

“They feel emotions, of course, but they tend to move through things more quickly and cope well across a range of circumstances.

“Others are more like orchids. They’re equally beautiful, but they’re more sensitive to what’s happening around them.

“A bit of stress or a difficult patch in life can hit harder and take longer to recover from.

“But the important part is that, just like real orchids, with the right care and the right conditions, they can thrive.

“This perspective helps us understand a person’s temperament and how we can best support them, rather than assuming everyone responds to life in the same way,” he said.

To safeguard mental wellbeing Enzo encouraged simple, caring steps: regular exercise, a balanced diet, healthy sleep rhythms and staying socially connected.

“One of the biggest [helps] is recognising that you can improve in these areas and that your wellbeing isn’t fixed,” Enzo said. “Taking care of your physical health is really important: regular exercise that feels safe for you, a balanced diet that works for your body, and keeping a steady sleep rhythm.

“Staying connected with your community also makes a difference, even if it feels a bit tedious at times. Pushing through to meet up with friends and having a yarn about whatever’s going on can really help protect against developing more chronic mental health issues,”

 If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

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The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shared two in five Australians have felt lonely at least some of the time in the past week…

…and that loneliness can be exacerbated during the Christmas period.

While the ideal Christmas is a season of joy, togetherness and celebration, many Australians quietly experience loneliness, disconnection and emotional strain during the holidays.

Recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that two in five Australians have felt lonely at least some of the time in the past week, and that loneliness can be exacerbated over Christmas.

For psychologist Garrett Huston from Psychology South & Wellbeing Services, this isn’t surprising.

“Loneliness is an odd one, because you could be alone in a room full of people,” Garrett said.

“It’s basically your brain telling you that you need connection.”

Social media can make the experience even harder.

“You start comparing your holiday experience with other people. You see all these gorgeous highlights online, or you long for how things used to be,” Garrett said.

“Loneliness can be masked. People can be very lonely and not show a thing, but it’s what they’re feeling inside.”

To address the emotions Christmas can raise, Garrett encouraged people to meet themselves with kindness rather than judgement.

“Just because you’re lonely, that doesn’t define you,” Garrett said.

“Different doesn’t mean worse. It’s okay to rest and keep things simple.”

We need to be aware of our self-talk, especially when expectations don’t match reality, and remind ourselves of what’s true.

“You can tell yourself, ‘I can create moments of comfort. Even if I’m not connecting as much as I’d like, I can take small steps right now,’” Garrett said.

Those steps might include reaching out to one trusted person, volunteering, or reconnecting with faith.

“You might not have been to church for a while, but engaging in your faith can be a meaningful way to feel connected,” Garrett said.

Family gatherings can also bring tension so “set realistic expectations”.

“You’re not going to suddenly get along with that grumpy uncle,” Garrett said.

“Identify your triggers, stay away from certain topics, and remember you don’t have to participate in every conversation.” Clear but gentle boundaries can help.

“You can say, ‘I’d rather not talk about that today,’ or excuse yourself to check on the turkey,” Garrett said.

“Spend time with the people who make you feel grounded. That gives you the social battery to cope with the rest.”

Above all, Garrett reminded listeners that support is available.

“Loneliness isn’t a weakness. It’s a signal that we need care, connection or comfort,” Garrett said.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

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When actor and writer Dan Widdowson saw a newspaper article declaring “humanity was dead” he rebelled against the idea that goodness had become extinct, embarking on a mission to reinvigorate kindness one small act at a time.

In Humanity Isn’t Dead: How to Change the World in 40 Days, Dan celebrates good in the world and details 40 ways we can create more if it.

“[After seeing that headline] I got really angry,” Dan said.

“How can a news agency promote that as their number one story?”.

The claim struck him as not only untrue, but harmful.

What followed was months of reflection about “why I don’t believe humanity is dead [and] I do believe goodness still exists.

Dan kept returning to one simple conviction: “all of us have the capacity to change someone’s life”.

“If you do a small gesture for one other person that day, you’ve positively impacted their world,” Dan said.

Rather than offering a challenge, Dan describes the book as “40 opportunities laid ahead of you,” each one a chance to practise kindness in tangible, grounded ways.

Day One?

“Write a letter to someone,” Dan said.

“Not to get anything in return [just] a pleasant hard-copy letter. Someone opens it, reads it, keeps it. Nothing bad can come of that.”

Other days invite readers to care for another living thing or simply notice small opportunities to step toward compassion.

“I’m turning a corner [and] I’m choosing optimism,” Dan said.

Life experience may rub off the innocence of youth, but Dan’s learning that there’s evidence of good “all around us if we choose to see it”.

Humanity Isn’t Dead also invites readers to track their experiences and see how simple kindness can be.

“There’s space to write your journey down,” Dan said.

“You can look back and see what landed, how people responded, and how it made you feel.”

Humanity Isn’t Dead is out now.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

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When Beth Caulfield discovered she was pregnant in her mid-40s, it was the last thing she expected.

Married, studying at seminary, and with almost-grown children, the pregnancy exposed cultural attitudes toward mid-life conception and, years later, inspired her debut feature film Conceivable.

The film mirrors Beth’s journey, following 45-year-old Brielle as she navigates an unexpected pregnancy and all of the emotional, ethical, and relational complexities that come with it.

“There are many women in their 40s having these pregnancies, and we get a whole lot of different advice and scare,” Beth said.

“I recognised that I wasn’t alone, and I knew it was a story that needed to be told to drum up compassion and awareness.”

In Beth’s experience, the advice women get is often mixed and confronting. 

“Friends – well-meaning friends – told me this could ruin my life,” Beth said.

“That we’d never retire and there could be problems with the baby that would cause financial concerns.

“It certainly alienated me from people who were moving on to what we’d call an ‘empty nest’ situation.”

Thankfully, alongside those fears were voices of encouragement. 

“I had wonderful people who surrounded me, saying, ‘This is the next chapter in your life. It’s exciting. It’s ordained by God,” Beth said.

“You’re not walking through it alone.’”

“People don’t recognise how common these unplanned pregnancies are,” Beth said. 

“I was just talking to a pregnancy centre in a university town, and they told me most of the women coming in with unplanned pregnancies are over 35. It surprised even them.”

The conversation surrounding older motherhood, she explained, often overlooks the complexity of women’s real lives. 

“What gets headlines are fertility issues or people waiting to have kids later,” Beth said.

“But we don’t talk about surprise pregnancies – and how society reacts to them. It’s either treated like a miracle or a mistake, depending on who you ask.”

Beth describes Conceivable as “faith-informed, not faith-based.” 

“Often, faith-based films show one theological view only,” Beth said. 

“I wanted to represent the variety of experiences and beliefs people hold, even within the church. 

“Everyone’s not perfect, and we all walk through challenges.”

Now nearing 60, Beth sees this season as a reminder that new beginnings don’t have an expiry date. 

“Every step has been risky,” Beth said. 

“But that’s where growth happens. 

“Whether it’s starting a prison ministry or making a film, I’ve learned that if it’s scary, you’re probably exactly where you’re supposed to be.”

For more information about Conceivable, visit their website.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

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In a society that seems to be changing faster than ever, author and CPX Executive Director Simon Smart thinks these cultural shifts are eroding our sense of identity, leaving many people – especially men – looking for new anchor points to hold onto.

Simon reflects on what it means to be a man in today’s complex social landscape.

“The speed of social and technological shifts is bewildering,” Simon said. 

“It’s quite disorientating, actually.” 

Simon’s book The End of Men, looks at how shifting social norms are reshaping what it means to be male. 

“[Growing up] I experienced two vividly contrasting all-male environments,” Simon said.

“One was very healthy and wholesome, and one really wasn’t. 

“It made me think deeply about how we create environments where young men grow into the kind of people you want to be around.”

Simon believes that modern expectations can leave many men confused. 

“We’ve still got the traditional picture of masculinity – the independent, emotionally detached, risk-taking male,” he said. 

“At the same time, society now values emotional intelligence and social connection. Those two pictures are overlapping, and it’s creating tension and uncertainty for a lot of young guys.”

So what makes a healthy model of manhood today? For Simon, it’s about broadening the picture. 

“We need to celebrate the full range of what it means to be human,” Simon said. 

“That includes strength and courage, but also compassion, service and emotional engagement.”

He’s convinced that role models and mentors play a key role. 

“Young men won’t just automatically know how to be good men,” Simon said.

“They have to be shown. It takes intention and guidance.”

Irrespective of your theological views, Simon thinks Jesus is a model of manhood we can all value.

“[Jesus lived] against a backdrop that was incredibly patriarchal, that was incredibly brutal when it came to imposition of power over weakness,” Simon said.

“He comes in and sort of upends everything [and shows] true greatness, according to Jesus, looks like washing the feet of the people around you.

“He put himself in positions where he knew he’d find challenge, but he refused violence. 

“He engaged with enemies with a kind of determination, clarity, good thinking, but a kind of loving embrace and an embrace of people who are on the edges.”

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

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Winning The Voice Australia hasn’t just been a dream come true for Sydney teenager Alyssa Delpopolo, it’s been a process of growth, overcoming anxiety and learning to believe in herself.

“I feel like I’ve just always had it in my mind that I wanted to be a singer,” Alyssa said.

“Ever since I started singing lessons [people] would tell me, oh, you should do this when you grow up. 

“I didn’t really think anything of it, but it’s kind of just come to be my passion.”

Even from a young age, Alyssa’s love for music and commitment to enter a competitive industry never wavered.

“I always looked up to people like Ariana Grande and Michael Jackson,” she said. 

“I thought [it] would be really cool if I could do that. But I never really thought about [how hard] it could be. It’s just what I wanted to do.”

Throughout the competition, Alyssa found strength in her coach, Kate Miller-Heidke, whose mentorship helped her gain confidence both on and off the stage. 

“She definitely helped me open up from out of my shell a lot,” Alyssa said. 

“We spoke a lot about having nerves before performances, so she definitely helped me kind of develop my confidence.”

“I’ve definitely worked with Kate on some strategies, like trying to channel your body and just trying to take deep breaths.

“I also tend to kind of, when I’m really struggling with anxiety, look around the room and kind of point to what I see to put my mind at ease and, you know, not focus on those nerves.”

When asked what advice she’d give to other young people chasing their musical dreams, Alyssa’s message was simple: “Just believe in yourself”. 

“There were lots of times that I really struggled to believe in myself as well, but I had a really good support system. 

“Believing in yourself is really important.”

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

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Australia is facing what many describe as a loneliness epidemic, with a third of us reportedly feeling lonely and one in four of us experiencing chronic, severe loneliness.

Psychologist Rachel Harker, founder of dating app Tribal and its friendship offshoot Connect by Tribal, wanted to do something that addresses the widespread social disconnection.

“Loneliness does not just affect singles, it affects everyone,” Rachel said.

“Parents, professionals, retirees – all of us are vulnerable to feeling disconnected.”

We know technology is one of the biggest drivers of loneliness, but so too is our reduced ability to be linked in to in-person communities.

“Everyone is behind a screen for a large portion of the day,” Rachel said.

“And [the way] modern society runs is very individualistic.

“We don’t have that community vibe like we used to.”

Rather than rejecting technology altogether, Rachel’s approach is to reshape it.

“I took a step back and said, ‘how can we embrace technology because it’s where the world is going’, but use it in a much more positive way?” Rachel said.

That vision led to Connect by Tribal, a values-based friendship app that “matches” friends based on those values to encourage deeper and more lasting connections.

“We can have really different personalities, but if we’ve got that core aligned value, that’s the key,” Rachel said.

The app’s designed to help those friendships to translate into face-to-face spaces through its “community circles”.

“The [community circles] is a group chat feature where you can connect with users based on aligned interest or groups,” Rachel said.

“If you’re new to town, new parent, a pet lover, a foodie, you can connect and chat about that interest topic in particular.

“So it goes beyond just one-on-one conversations.”

Rachel hope for Australian’s feeling isolated is that her platform will provide safe, meaningful ways for people to find friendship and belonging.

“Swiping on a photo for a friend just didn’t sit well with me,” Rachel said.

“It doesn’t matter what our friends look like. True friendship is about personality and aligned interests.”

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

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‘Interlude’ nods to the fragile state transition can leave us in, and the reassurance of God’s unchanging nature in the midst.

There have been years of shifting seasons for UNITED’s Matt Crocker, having spent over two decades touring with the Hillsong band and now moving to Nashville after releasing his solo album Interlude.

During the disruption of Covid and Hillsong’s leadership readjustment, Matt kept songwriting. It was the worship anchor it has always been, but also an outlet for fresh sounds and ideas.

“I love writing worship, and I can’t help but write worship,” Matt said.

“Even when I experiment sonically or work with different people, it always comes back to connecting people to God.”

Matt’s debut solo project Interlude reflects that tension between the “in-between” and the constant presence of God.

“It still feels very much like the thing I’ve always done, which is worship,” Matt said.

“But it gave me the freedom to dive into music I connect with a little more.

“I just wanted to make songs that feel like me.”

Matt’s not released a solo project before is because he’s “been happy not to”.

“I’ve been quite content with all the stuff I’ve been a part of and been doing,” Matt said.

“[As an artist] I’m never fully confident. 

“That’s why I love writing with others – you see the reaction in real time.

“But at the end of the day, I needed to believe in the songs myself.”

Interlude nods to the fragile state transition can leave us in, and the reassurance of God’s unchanging nature in the midst.

“The world isn’t as stable as it once felt,” Matt said.

“So what do we have?

“The one sure thing in my life is God. It’s trusting in Him and trusting that His plan is the right thing for us.

“I don’t know what I’m doing.

“I just know my whole life has been based on trust in God. And I don’t think I’ll ever stop writing songs.”

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

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‘Isn’t It Nice We Both Hate the Same Things’ explores how we build, and rebuild, friendships with others later in life.

Sustaining meaningful friendships in adult life can feel like a pipedream: people have work, family commitments and less energy to be always available for spontaneous catch-ups.

We know we need connection though, so how to do friendship as adults?

Following on from her debut novel Perfect-ish, author Jessica Seaborn’s new book Isn’t it Nice We Both Hate the Same Things delves into how we build, and rebuild, friendships with others later in life.

“I knew I wanted to explore adult friendship, specifically making new friends as an adult,” Jessica said.

“That was the starting point of the book [because] I just related to it.”

Jessica moved to Sydney at 21, knowing only two people.

“They left soon after,” Jessica said.

“It took a really long time to make any kind of friends.”

That experience of loneliness stayed with Jessica and resurfaced during the pandemic. Emerging in her thirties, she realised she was craving more than the daily routines of work and home.

“I have a small pool of quality people and that’s great but I needed to be more intentional,” Jessica said.

It’s a sentiment many adults share. Research shows that while strong friendships are essential for well-being, adults often struggle to form and maintain them. A 2023 YouGov survey found that nearly one in five adults reported having no close friends, and psychologists suggest that time constraints, vulnerability, and life transitions (like moving, marriage, or parenthood) make friendships harder to build after our twenties.

“You have to be vulnerable to reach out,” Jessica said.

“It feels a little bit like dating – especially when you’re meeting new people.

“You’re putting yourself out there.”

To reconnect, she joined running groups, reached out to former colleagues, and even experimented with Bumble BFF.

“That really felt like dating,” Jessica said.

Still, she found moments of real connection.

“For me, great friendships [where there’s] quality over quantity can make me happy,” Jessica said.

She also began to notice patterns in how friendships evolve – or don’t.

“If I’m always the one reaching out, that friendship may not last,” Jessica said.

“I’ve learned to ask, would this person be there for me if I needed them?”

Those questions about reciprocity, effort, and vulnerability are woven through Isn’t it Nice We Both Hate the Same Things which follows the character Charlie as she navigates guilt, grief, and the quiet ache of disconnection. Like Charlie, Jessica is interested in what happens when we reach out, and what we risk when we don’t.

“There’s no shame in wanting connection,” Jessica said.

“And someone else probably needs it too.”

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

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