In 2019, the Victorian Royal Commission into Mental Health explored and analysed how Victoria’s mental health system can effectively prevent mental illness, and deliver treatment, care and support so all Victorians can experience optimal mental health, now and into the future. A strong theme emerging from the Royal Commission interim report, released in November 2019, was that schools represent a key location for promoting good mental health, identifying signs and symptoms for those at risk of poor mental health, and supporting external referrals to community services for those students who require extra support.
In response to the needs, the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), the Melbourne Graduate School of Education (MGSE) and the Victorian Department of Education partnered to develop a project aimed at building the capacity of Victorian Primary Schools to support the mental health and wellbeing of their students. This project was funded by the Ian Potter Foundation, Ross Trust and the Victorian Department of Education. – UoM
