As Queensland reaffirms its commitment to combat domestic and family violence, The BUSY School proudly stands alongside, dedicated to equipping young people with the tools to recognise and address toxic relationships.

Across all eight campuses statewide, The BUSY School team continues to make significant strides in educating youth about the importance of identifying and preventing domestic violence.

The BUSY School, providing alternative learning, addresses various learning barriers including mental health, bullying, complex learning needs and domestic violence.

At the Southport Girls+ Campus, Campus Principal Ulla Hansson collaborates with Prue Howard, Founder of Savvy Style and Training, to deliver the T.H.R.I.V.E. Program.

Drawing from her personal experience with domestic violence, Prue’s program helps students define their personal brand, understand what toxic and unhealthy relationships look like, identify warning signs of toxicity in a romantic relationship, and cultivate healthy relationships.

“The T.H.R.I.V.E. Program is a prevention program that includes arming students with the tools to identify unhealthy relationships, romantic or otherwise.  I educate young people about how to put boundaries in place, knowing that when those boundaries aren’t respected, this is a red flag.” explains Prue. The six-week workshop series focuses on developing strong, healthy relationships and building confidence through positive self-talk and personal brand definition.

Ulla Hansson, Campus Principal, emphasises the holistic wellbeing approach of The BUSY School, stating, “We are committed to nurturing our students’ wellbeing and instilling in them the confidence they need to navigate a safe and successful future. Working with Prue and sharing her expertise through the T.H.R.I.V.E. Program is an invaluable opportunity to grow self-assurance among our students.”

Prue reflects on the program’s success, stating, “In the last two groups, one participant from each group identified and left toxic romantic relationships.” Such outcomes highlight the impact of interventions like the T.H.R.I.V.E. Program in empowering young women to make positive life changes.

The BUSY School Girls+ Campus provides an ideal environment for delivering such programs, with dedicated staff and fully equipped facilities. By partnering with external experts like Prue Howard, alongside academic resources, the school ensures comprehensive support for its students.

The success and sustainability of programs like T.H.R.I.V.E. rely on the support of grants, partners, supporters, and donors. These contributions enable students to become more aware, confident, and equipped to identify and address potential domestic violence.

Together, with the generosity and commitment of individuals, businesses, and organisations, The BUSY School strives to create safe spaces and empower students to build resilient futures free from domestic violence.

As Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month unfolds in Queensland, it serves as a reminder of the collective effort needed to address this critical issue. By standing together, supporting initiatives like the T.H.R.I.V.E Program, and advocating for change, we can create a brighter, safer future for our communities.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, there are support services available. Find a Queensland support service near you.

If this has brought up mental health concerns, you can contact services like Lifeline or Beyond Blue.