MEDIA RELEASE 12th March 2012 For immediate release

Australian program to aid Tsunami children recovery One year on from the earthquake and Tsunami that left thousands dead and tens of thousands physically injured and mentally distressed, an Australian mental health promotion program is being used to bolster the mental health of children in one of the most damaged areas, the town of Onagawa in Miyagi Prefecture. The Act-Belong-Commit Campaign, which originated in Western Australia, has been adapted by health psychologists at Japans Waseda University to build childrens resilience, strengthen their mental health, and prevent mental health problems emerging. The ActBelong-Commit Campaign encourages everyone to keep mentally, physically and socially active (act), to keep up friendships, join in group activities and participate in community events (belong), and take up challenges, set goals and help others (commit). Keeping active, having a sense of belonging, and having meaning and purpose in life are the fundamental building blocks of good mental health said Curtin Universitys Professor Donovan, the originator of the campaign. Children who lost classmates, friends and relatives, and whose schools and homes no longer exist are particularly vulnerable to future problems. Japanese health psychologists are therefore using the act-belong-commit principles to reach all children affected by the disaster, not just those showing clinical distress. We are really pleased that after reviewing programs around the globe, the Waseda University team chose act-belong-commit as the program best suited to strengthening childrens mental health on a population wide basis, said Ms Amberlee Laws, Australian Manager of Mentally Healthy WA. Its really quite simple she said, Participating in healthy enjoyable activities with others is good for your mental health. Achieving challenging goals builds a stronger sense of self and builds resilience. You simply feel happier too. For more information about the Campaign please contact Ms Laws on (08) 9266 1709 or a.laws@curtin.edu.au.

Professor Rob Donovan Chief Investigator Mobile: 0408 888 552 Email: r.donovan@curtin.edu.au

Ms Amberlee Laws Campaign Manager Email: a.laws@curtin.edu.au Phone: 08 9266 1709 Mobile: 0409 686 175