An Illawarra high school is tapping into its base of "natural helpers", giving students the chance to build their leadership skills with some outdoor action.
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Headspace Wollongong team members and year 7 to 10 Holy Spirit College students were pushed out of their comfort zones.
Headspace Wollongong psychologist Cara Jones said the Natural Helpers program was designed to provide training and support to students who were already serving as "helpers" within their school.
"These young people are identified by their peers [and teachers] as being the people they turn to and confide in when they need help," Ms Jones said.
"The Natural Helpers program provides students in the school community who are already serving as helpers with support surrounding problem-solving capabilities, referral options and how to recognise when action is needed in their school environment.
"Students proactively identify what they view as being the central issues in their school environment and explore how they can each step in and act to help improve each issue."
On day one, students battled the high ropes course and the giant swing at the Stanwell Tops Conference Centre.
The second day they spent on site at Holy Spirit College, engaging in interactive exercises.
The students explored how to enhance their helping skills, recognise when the helper might need support, and know when to refer someone who need help to another source. They also learned self-care or relaxation strategies.