MindMatters Plus
History
MindMatters Plus was a national initiative that aimed to enhance the capacity of secondary schools to support students with particular needs in the area of mental health and wellbeing. It was built on the existing MindMatters initiative, a national mental health promotion initiative for secondary schools. MindMatters Plus conducted action research in 17 selected demonstration schools. All were provided with input on whole school development from a small team of Project Officers to enable them to action the capacity-building possibilities already with the school. They were also offered a choice of complementary health promotion and early intervention programs available around Australia.
The MindMatters Plus initiative was funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing until the end of 2005. This funding covered the MindMatters Plus GP Initiative, supporting divisions of general practice to build ongoing working relationships with the demonstration schools with a view to developing effective referral processes and pathways of care for young people.
The Families Matter initiative was trialled in some MindMatters Plus demonstration schools. This resource was for parents working in partnership with schools across Australia to promote mental health and wellbeing in young people.
Project partners
This initiative was jointly managed by Principals Australia and the Australian Guidance and Counselling Association (AGCA). It was funded until 31 December 2005 by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. A partnership was also established with the Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP).