What is MindMatters?
MindMatters is a mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention initiative for secondary schools. The aim is to build positive school environments in which schools are able to use a range of best practice materials, programs and processes to support the mental health of young people. MindMatters uses a whole school approach based on the United Nations, World Health Organisation, Health Promoting Schools model.
MindMatters is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
Why is this important?
Research has shown that 14% of Australian children and adolescents aged 4-17 have mental health problems and that only one out of every four of these young people receives professional health care. As well, adolescents with mental health problems report a high rate of suicidal thoughts and other health-risk behaviour including smoking, drinking and drug use.
The enhancement and development of school environments where young people feel safe, valued, engaged and purposeful has been empirically linked with improving the social and emotional health and wellbeing for young people.
Who benefits?
The school community as a whole, including students, their parents, families and/or carers, as well as school staff benefit from MindMatters.
What does MindMatters deliver?
All Australian secondary schools have access to the MindMatters initiative through the provision of:
- a complimentary MindMatters Resource Kit comprising a video and booklets on evidence based practical information for teachers on issues including bullying and harassment, loss and grief and building student resilience;
- professional development and training with the resource materials;
- a website: www.mindmatters.edu.au; and
- school support through State Based Officers.
The MindMatters resource materials and professional development and training are currently being redeveloped and will include a strengthening of the early intervention components.
Evidence based resource materials and professional development and training will continue to cover a range of mental health issues as well as whole school approaches to mental health and wellbeing including leadership and community diversity. The redevelopment of MindMatters will also see a greater focus on early intervention and the ways in which school communities can better support young people at risk of developing mental health problems.
MindMatters is currently being conducted by Principals Australia (PA). A mental health partner, headspace, has been engaged to help strengthen the early intervention components of MindMatters.
Top of page
How does it work?
MindMatters represents a dynamic partnership between the health and education sectors at the Federal and State/Territory levels and the 24 education systems (State, Catholic and Independent) across Australia.
Schools have responded to the voluntary uptake of MindMatters and the whole school framework it offers which provides for flexible applications and acknowledges the variation in school readiness, needs and resources. Core school teams assist with the implementation of MindMatters in local schools and the continuing improvement of supportive school environments.
What funding is attached to this initiative?
On 12 June 2008 the Minister, the Hon Nicola Roxon MP, announced funding of $12.3 million for the period 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2010.
When did MindMatters start?
MindMatters was launched in 2000 and continues to be implemented across Australia.
Top of page
How is MindMatters progressing?
All Australian secondary schools have received a complimentary MindMatters Resource Kit, have access to professional development and training and information and resources via the MindMatters website.
A number of student changes and or patterns of improvement have been reported in MindMatters schools - most of which are key elements to improving mental health outcomes for students. Teacher and student reports indicate increases in student help-seeking behaviours, increased knowledge and skills, reduced bullying and a greater sense of attachment to schools.
The current phase of MindMatters includes a major focus on strengthening support for students who are experiencing mental health problems both within the school and the community.
Further information
Visit the MindMatters website www.mindmatters.edu.au
Top of page
Page currency, Latest update: 25 March, 2010