But all sorts of issues can get in the way of that. 

Help is available and accessing it just got a whole lot simpler – that was the message on Wednesday when Forbes High School opened its Wellness Hub.

The Hub – a pilot project – brings people into the school to help students deal with the stuff that makes it hard for them to get to school or to concentrate when they are there.

The Hub is always open with the school’s counselors, youth worker and Aboriginal Education Officers based there.

Through it, students can connect with health workers, caseworkers from Binaal Billa, Youth Hope and Carewest, a dietician, psychiatrist, hearing support, drug and alcohol services, a psychologist or homelessness youth service.

Its opening was an exciting occasion for Lachlan Director of Public Schools Maree Angus, who has been part of the Wellness Hub project for about 18 months. 

“Kids perform well when they are well supported, and they are well supported here," she said. “I congratulate Forbes High School. Forbes is a great community, they will work closely together on this.” 

Student Lachlan Hodge, who is on the Wellness Hub committee, said it was great to bring the services into the school, as students may not have transport, time or funds to access them any other way.

“We as students are very grateful to have these services here, they are very important,” fellow committee member Elise Dukes said. 

Centacare’s Elyssa Cunningham, who works with people at risk of homelessness, said one of the Hub’s benefits was bringing everyone together so they could work together to resolve what were sometimes complex issues. 

“We acknowledge that no one person has all the answers, now we are lucky to have a space where we can work as a team and help you and your family,” she said. 

“There’s no problem too big, no question too complicated … if you think no-one will listen to you, come and try us.”