On Thursday the 25th of July, the year 12 Health classes were fortunate enough to participate in the Loves Me Not seminar run by the New Zealand Police in conjunction with the Sophie Elliot Foundation.

The day consisted of various activities and discussions around the importance of recognizing the qualities of safe and happy relationships.

We learnt about taking personal action, the difference between bystanding and upstanding and when it is or is not safe to be taking action against abusive behaviors. We also learnt and discussed media and societal responsibility for the normalisation and acceptance of dangerous and unsafe relationships.

We feel very grateful to have had this opportunity and want to be able to pass the information that we have been taught on to the rest of the Year 12 cohort. We have also decided to help victims of abusive relationships by doing a fundraiser for the Women's Refugee Center by asking students and staff at Girls’ High to donate any second hand tote bags, toilet and handbags and new items such as toothbrushes, lip balms, hair ties/brushes and any other small items to put into the bags that can be useful for people who may have had to flee their homes because of a dangerous relationship. We want to raise the profile of caring for each other and to let people out there know that we care and that abuse is never okay.

On behalf of the Year 12 Health students we would like to say thank you to those who were involved with making this day happen and helping to educate us on such an important matter!