Article:

MIND MATTERS - PROMOTING YOUNG PEOPLE'S MENTAL HEALTH IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Over recent years it has become more recognised that many of the 'problem' issues facing young people relate to their mental health and wellbeing. Concerns such as drugs and alcohol, youth crime and violence, self-harm, and youth suicide are often linked to young people's overall mental health. At the same time research has demonstrated that a sense of connectedness or attachment to school can be a major protective factor for young people.

In order to address some of these issues the Mind Matters kit has been developed. Over the last two years the Mind Matters package has been gradually been released and implemented in schools across Australia. As part of the National Mental Health Strategy, Mind Matters aims to improve the overall mental health and wellbeing of young people by providing schools with information, activities, and resources that can be utilised as part of the school curriculum. Kits have been distributed to all government and non-government secondary schools along with training for teachers and student welfare staff in the region. The kit contains practical information for teachers and students on a wide range of mental-health related topics including;

• Dealing with Bullying and Harassment
• Enhancing Resilience - Stress and Coping
• Enhancing Resilience - Communication, Changes, and Challenges
• Understanding Mental Illness
• Educating for Life - Preventing self-harm and suicide
• Loss and Grief
• Community Matters

While the primary focus of Mind Matters is as a resource for teachers to deliver within school settings, the kit also provides an ideal opportunity for schools to strengthen their relationships with community agencies. Existing resource materials can also be used to complement the kit - for example the Community Matters section links very well with the STEP training materials developed by the MHPO statewide network.

Reference groups have been established in each region of Victoria to support dissemination and delivery of the material. Mental Health Promotion Officers in each region are involved in these reference groups and have assisted in the delivery of training. They have also been allocated $4000 in funding from DHS Victoria to assist in the dissemination of Mind Matters.

The MHPO network supports Mind Matters as an important mental health promotion resource targeting young people and intend to continue our involvement in this program. For further information about Mind Matters please contact your regional MHPO or go to the Mind Matters website at www.curriculum.edu.au/mindmatters