News
9 November, 2025
Youth support program changing students’ lives
A school-based youth support program is helping students in Moreton Bay stay engaged in their education by providing a range of vital services and targeted support.
Patience Thornton-Whiu, who is employed by Lutheran Services’ Intercept Youth and Family Program, is based full-time at Murrumba State Secondary College to work closely with students, their families, and educators.
Drawing on personal life experiences and her Bachelor of Psychology, Patience brings compassion, understanding, and expertise to the role that is helping students navigate the challenges of high school.
“When I was in high school, I went through some tough times and received support from a youth worker,” she said. “That’s when I realised there were people whose job it was to help kids like me and I knew it was something I wanted to do.”
Since joining the college in September 2024, Patience has supported hundreds of students through one-on-one counselling, small group programs, and wellbeing initiatives. Each term, she directly assists almost 300 students, offering individual sessions to around 50 students who need extra care.
Her work focuses on student wellbeing, resilience, attendance, and family partnerships, with support extending beyond the classroom.
“I offer support across a range of areas including emotion regulation, study and time management, healthy relationships with peers, teachers and family, and personal goal setting,” she said. “Every morning, I call a group of students to ensure they attend school and others come to see me in my office so I can help them prepare for their day. I might also need to talk to their teachers.”
Patience also coordinates holiday programs, anger management, and resilience workshops, ensuring students have opportunities to build confidence and social skills. Working closely with the local community, including the Lions Club and local churches, she helps secure essentials like uniforms, laptops, stationery, and food hampers for students facing hardship. She even keeps fruit in her office for hungry students, while the school chaplain and hospitality students provide breakfasts and frozen meals for families in need.
Principal Sharon Cordiner said the program, funded through Education Queensland, has transformed student wellbeing and engagement.
“The partnership has been instrumental in enhancing the wellbeing, engagement, and overall success of our students, while fostering a culture of care and inclusion,” she said. “Patience is a trusted adult who students turn to during difficult times.”
For more information about the Intercept program, call 1800 960 433 or visit lutheranservices.org.au.
