Ultimately, all we really wish for our children is that they are safe, happy and grow to be well adjusted and useful members of our society.
For this to be so their wellbeing needs to be looked after at many different levels. Equally important is the wellbeing of ourselves, teachers and staff.
The following links may be useful to you in your journey.
KidsMatter
KidsMatter is an Australian mental health and wellbeing initiative set in primary schools and early childhood education and care services (like preschools, kindergartens and day care centres). It’s a framework that helps these places take care of children's mental health needs by:
- creating positive school and early childhood communities
- teaching children skills for good social and emotional development
- working together with families
- recognising and getting help for children with mental health problems
KidsMatter was developed by mental health professionals and education and childcare staff in response to the high rates of school-age children with mental health difficulties and the problems they face getting help. It is is a partnership between education and health sectors and is funded by the Australian Government and beyondblue.
Read more here.
MindMatters
MindMatters is a mental health initiative for secondary schools that aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people.
We call it a ‘framework’, in that it provides structure, guidance and support while enabling schools to build their own mental health strategy to suit their unique circumstances. MindMatters provides school staff with blended professional learning that includes online resources, Spotlights on topics relevant to schools, face-to-face events, webinars and support. All content has been informed by strong evidence in the area of school mental health and wellbeing. The use of MindMatters’ comprehensive resources has mental health benefits for the entire school community – including students, families and school staff.
MindMatters is based on the principle that the best mental health strategy is one that prevents issues from arising in the first place. For this reason MindMatters helps schools promote positive mental health through the whole school community, and aims to prevent mental health difficulties in students by taking steps to improve relationships and resilience. MindMatters provides staff with practical advice and guidance so that they can support students who may be struggling with mental health difficulties in a timely and appropriate way. Promotion, prevention and early intervention are central tenets of the MindMatters’ approach.
Read more here.
headspace
headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds, along with assistance in promoting young peoples’ wellbeing. This covers four core areas: mental health, physical health, work and study support and alcohol and other drug services.
Information and services for young people, their families and friends as well as health professionals can be accessed through this website, headspace centres, online counselling service eheadspace, the Digital Work and Study Service and postvention suicide support program headspace School Support.
headspace Clinical Reference Group oversee and approve clinical resources made available on this website.
Did you know?
One in four young people have experienced a mental health issue in the past 12 months – a higher prevalence than all other age groups. Alarmingly, suicide is the leading cause of death of young people, accounting for one third of all deaths.
Research shows that 75 per cent of mental health issues emerge before the age of 25. By treating these issues early and providing a holistic model of support, the risk of them developing into more serious problems is greatly decreased.
Read more here.
Smiling Mind
Smiling Mind is a 100% not-for-profit that's changing the world by helping every mind to thrive. They help people in schools, workplaces, communities and in the home by delivering the benefits of mindfulness and meditation to both children and adults via a free app, face-to-face workshops and resources that can be used by both teachers and employers.
Why mindfulness in education?
1 in 7 primary aged children and 1 in 4 secondary aged children are experiencing mental health problems
Society is experiencing major and rapid changes and this is having an impact on the wellbeing of students.
The use of technology, smartphones and social media by children is affecting learning and there's more testing and pressure for students to perform.
Read more here.
Thrive Inside with Smiling Mind
Thrive Inside is an initiative to help you stay calm and healthy in the physical constraints of your home, while remaining calm and healthy inside your mind. In this resource, you will find different practical things you can do to take care of your own wellbeing as well as support the children in your life, your colleagues, loved-ones and friends. This resource takes an evidence-based approach to providing you with practical tools and techniques to help you manage uncertainty, reduce anxiety and stay connected and grounded.
A number of tailored programs and resources have been designed for students and educators. These are available as individual or whole school options. The programs have been co-designed with psychologists and educators against the Australian Curriculum to support social and emotional skills development, supported by evidence. These programs are preplanned, flexible and engaging for students with many of the resources being digital and interactive.
Bullying. No Way!
Bullying. No Way! provides information and ideas for students, parents and teachers. If you want to talk to someone in person or online click here to get contact details for helplines.
The Bullying. No Way! website for Australian schools is managed by the Safe and Supportive School Communities Working Group which has representatives from all states and territories, including the Catholic and independent schooling sectors.
Read more here.
Student Wellbeing Hub
The Australian Government is committed to improving educational outcomes for all Australian students and recognises that children do better when respectful relationships are developed and maintained between home and school. A new framework to do this will be released towards the end of 2018. It will be available for schools, parents, educators and pre-service teachers on the Student Wellbeing Hub at www.studentwellbeinghub.edu.au.
Additional resources, including a professional learning module, to engage school communities and support the uptake of the Framework in individual school contexts across Australia, will be featured as part of the new Framework.
Read more here.