Taz Kids program builds a community

If you’re an educator looking for a safe, fun way to support your students, Anglicare’s Taz Kids program may be the answer.

Taz Kids is a free program is designed to support young people who have a parent or guardian living with mental health issues.

Up to one in five young Australians live in a family where a parent struggles with their mental health.  A report from Anglicare Tasmania’s Social Action and Research Centre released last year states that one in two Tasmanians experience a mental health condition at some stage in their lives, which is the highest rate in Australia.

Taz Kids program coordinator Juanita Schofield says this can make children feel responsible for caring for their parents, and often other siblings as well.

“At Taz Kids, we help them to better understand mental illness, and how to improve the relationships they have with their parents, build their resilience and connect with other young people experiencing similar challenges,” she said.

“The Taz Kids program offers opportunities for growth in all these areas, supporting them to cope with their unique challenges and thrive in the classroom and beyond.

“We would love to have more schools and organisations onboard, so that we can give more young people the support they need,” said Juanita.

Anglicare’s credentials

Anglicare’s team of facilitators are trained professionals with knowledge in mental health and child development, and an understanding of the importance of trauma-informed support.

They understand that stigma surrounding mental health can be a huge barrier to families getting the support they need. Taz Kids has the potential to break down this barrier so that young people and their families feel safe when they reach out for support.

The safety of the children participating in Taz Kids is paramount. Anglicare is a Safeguarding Children organisation, accredited through the Australian Childhood Foundation.

All facilitators are trained professionals and have completed Safeguarding Children training. They have a Schedule 1 national police check and current Working with Vulnerable People registration. Facilitators also complete the Department of Children and Young People safeguarding training each year and a school induction prior to starting sessions.

How does the program work?

Taz Kids can run at your school over a six- or seven-week period starting at any point in the school year. The program takes the form of a ‘club’ that is held during school hours.

Facilitators work closely with schools to promote the program to families, including having conversations with interested parents, explained Juanita.

“Our program prides itself on flexible delivery. We make it fun and informative for all ages, working with the school to make sure we meet the needs of each group,” she said.

“We check in with you regularly during the program, and handle everything from planning to delivery, making the process easy and collaborative.”

There is also an additional component to Taz Kids that involves activity programs held during school holidays. These include opportunities for the whole family to attend, and days designed for young people only.

“The beauty of Taz Kids is that it is building a community that continues to wrap around children and their families for as long as they need support – in some cases for many years to come,” said Juanita. “It can also provide a gateway to other services and programs that Anglicare offers for children, young people and their families.”

The Downer family’s experience *

Sally and Noel reached out to Taz Kids in 2024 for support for their grandchildren Sam (12) and Emma (10). The children are in their full-time care because their parents both have mental health issues. They attend their local primary school in a rural community.

When Sam joined a Taz Kids club at school in April 2025, he was quiet and reserved. The safe and welcoming environment gave him the space he needed to share his ideas and express the difficulties he had with processing what he experiences in his family. Sam particularly enjoyed developing new coping strategies in the club and making new friendships.

He and the family then signed up for the wider Taz Kids program and attended ‘adventure days’ during the school holidays. He enjoyed activities at the beach and experiencing the therapeutic connections made at an equine centre. Staff noticed his growing self-confidence and initiative.

Sally and Noel attended several family days with both children. They loved the social connection opportunities that Taz Kids provided. The Taz Kids worker also connected them with a local dance academy and other team sport options.

The couple is keen for Emma to move into the program too and have advocated for the club to continue at their school.

*Names have been changed to protect the family’s privacy.

Are you interested in bringing Taz Kids into your school community?

Find out more about the program by checking this webpage, emailing tazkids@anglicare-tas.org.au or phoning Anglicare on 1800 243 232 and asking to speak with a member of the Taz Kids team.