SWAN Hill and district primary schools will receive a huge increase in their capacity to fight mental health issues, with mental health and wellbeing leaders in every school within the next four years.
The Victorian Government last Monday announced they would invest $200 million to expand the Mental Health in Primary School’s Program to every government and low fee non-government school in the state.
“We know the earlier in life young Victorians get mental health support, the better their chances of staying happy and healthy throughout adulthood,” Minister for Mental Health and Education James Merlino said.
Swan Hill North Primary School acting principal Brea Terris said the school had been involved in the pilot program.
“We have been involved in the pilot program and already have a mental wellbeing teacher,” she said.
“The benefit has been amazing … just been great for us.”
The pilot program has partnered with the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and the University of Melbourne in 100 schools across the state with 95 per cent stating the new model improved the school’s ability to help students.
According to the government, about half of all cases of anxiety, mood, impulse control, and substance use disorders manifest by the age of 14. Students struggling with their mental health also lag behind their peers throughout most of their schooling.
“We know that more than half of all mental health illnesses manifest by the age of 14. Imagine if we can identify and intervene early in grade two, three, four, five and six,” Mr Merlino said.
Beverford Primary School was also part of the pilot, with principal Phillip Cox saying it allowed the school to employ a mental health and wellbeing leader “to build the capacity of staff in identification, promotion and prevention”.
“What we have now is a co-ordinated, whole school approach.”
The expanded program will now aim to have a mental health and wellbeing leader in every school across the state by 2026.
“We’re making sure every Victorian child has access to safe, tailored care through their trusted school environment, giving them the care they need, when they need it, close to home,” Mr Merlino said.
All the pilot schools believed that the program worked.
“I think this is an outstanding program,” Mr Cox said.
Ms Terris agreed, saying “we’ve got what we need now heading out of remote learning”.
Mallee schools not involved in the pilot will be eagerly awaiting the support they need.
“This is something we have wanted for ages because we live in the Mallee, so we know how difficult it is to access services,” Kerang South Primary School principal Lyn Veall said.
“To have something here would be great.
“Our teacher’s do a wonderful job, but them and our resources are stretched thin.
“This will be a huge support as many issues are immediate and ongoing.”
Anyone requiring crisis support can call Lifeline’s 24-hour number, 131 114, or Beyond Blue, 1300 224 636.
Support is also available any time at Kids Helpline, 1800 551 800.
