MindMatters

Fact Sheet 2: Feb 2013

What is MindMatters?
MindMatters is the national mental health initiative for secondary schools funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing and implemented by Principals Australia Institute. MindMatters is a resource and professional development initiative supporting Australian secondary schools in promoting and protecting the mental health, resilience and social and emotional wellbeing of all the members of the school community; working with principals, leadership teams and school staff.

How does MindMatters work?

MindMatters is seen as a key organising framework by schools and health partners. It has been operating in Australian secondary schools for over 10 years, working across health and education. MindMatters provides professional learning workshops for classroom teachers, whole school planning workshops for leaders and school teams and a range of workshops including Transitions, Student Empowerment and Students experiencing high support in needs in mental health.

MindMatters School Recognition

The MindMatters Recognition process is designed to acknowledge schools who are working in focused and strategic ways to improve student mental health and learning outcomes. For schools to achieve MindMatters Recognition, they have undertaken and evaluated a whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing over an extended period of time fulfilling detailed criteria. Over the past 3 years, 46 schools have been recognised from every state and territory, with more currently on the journey. Whole of school outcomes include: Teachers are better able to identify students at risk and refer them to appropriate services. Taminmin College NT Clear processes for Student Services; that better address the mental health needs of students and connect them to relevant agencies. Balga Senior High School WA Growing school wide understanding about how teachers influence student mental health and engagement. Marryatville High School SA Enhanced social, emotional wellbeing and positive relationships through student leadership and mentoring. Robert Townson High School NSW Students have greater confidence to seek help for mental health problems due to staff awareness and understanding. Clayfield College QLD
Australian schools with secondary enrolment that have attended MindMatters events 2000 - 2012

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How many schools do MindMatters?

MindMatters continues to reach all systems and sectors of schooling with professional learning being accessed by 2,691 (83.3%) of schools with secondary enrolments across Australia to date. This includes 446 (88.8%) of Catholic schools, 1,688 (86.4%) of Government schools and 553 (71.6%) of Independent schools. In 2010, The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) conducted an evaluation of the MindMatters initiative. The evaluation survey reveals that: 98% of schools are aware of MindMatters 68% of schools use a core team to implement MindMatters 65% of schools use MindMatters as a curriculum resource 38% of schools use MindMatters as a key organiser for mental health promotion

What do Principals say?

A recent Principals Australia Institute survey of school principals and leaders (July 2011) showed: 84% were satisfied / very satisfied that MindMatters builds a personal understanding of mental health and wellbeing. 82% were satisfied / very satisfied with MindMatters providing practical classroom strategies. 70% were satisfied / very satisfied that MindMatters contributed to improved student mental health and wellbeing outcomes.

Evidence of the effectiveness of MindMatters

Research supports the effectiveness of MindMatters work with schools. Recently published are the results of a three year multiple resilience intervention based on MindMatters and supported by an explicit adoption strategy. It operated in 3 schools for all students from Year 7 to Year 101 in NSW. Significant results include reduction in binge drinking, smoking and use of marijuana. This has led to the establishment of a trial commencing in 2012 based on the MindMatters framework.

Whats happening in your state/territory?

Total Percentage of all Schools by Sector with a Secondary Enrolment Involved in MindMatters Professional Development 2000 - 2012
State Government
No. # %

Catholic
No. # %

Independent
No. # % No. #

Total
%

ACT NSW NT QLD SA TAS VIC WA All States

35 514 51 287 160 65 400 176 1688

94.6 91.9 72.9 87.8 88.4 92.8 83 76.5 86.4

5 158 11 90 31 15 96 40 446

100 90.8 91.7 94.7 86.1 100 81.4 85.1 88.8

14 149 11 108 47 17 144 60 553

93.3 70.3 84.6 75.5 76.7 68 72.7 56.6 71.6

54 821 73 485 238 97 642 276 2691

94.7 86.9 76.8 85.8 85.6 88.1 80.3 71.9 83.3

How can you find out about MindMatters?

MindMatters national office is located at Principals Australia Institute. MindMatters Coordinators are located in each state and territory. Further information can be found at: www.mindmatters.edu.au
1

R K Hodder, J Daly, M Freund, J Bowman, T Hazell, J Wiggers A school-based resilience intervention to decrease tobacco, alcohol and marijuana use in high school students. BMC Public Health. 2011