MindMatters, a whole-school approach promoting mental health and wellbeing

Objective: MindMatters is an innovative, national mental health promotion p rogram which provides a framework for mental health promotion in Australian schools. Its objectives are to facilitate exemplary practice in the promot ion of whole-school approaches to mental health promotion; develop mental h ealth education resources, curriculum and professional development programs which are appropriate to a wide range of schools, students and learning ar eas; trial guidelines on mental health and suicide prevention and to encour age the development of partnerships between schools, parents, and community support agencies to promote the mental wellbeing of young people. Method: A team of academics and health education professionals, supported b y a reference group of mental health experts, developed MindMatters. The pr ogram was piloted in 24 secondary schools, drawn from all educational syste ms and each State and Territory in Australia. The pilot program was amended and prepared for dissemination nationally. Results: The program provides a framework for mental health promotion in wi dely differing school settings. The teacher professional development dimens ion of the program is central to enhancing the role of schools in broad pop ulation mental health promotion. Conclusions: Promoting the mental health and wellbeing of all young people is a vital part of the core business of teachers by creating a supportive s chool environment that is conducive to learning. Teachers need to be comfor table and confident in promoting and teaching for mental health. Specific, targeted interventions, provided within a whole-school framework, address t he needs of the minority of students who require additional support.