August 7th, 2022Mental health help for kids
Macedon Ranges Shire Council invites parents and teachers in the Macedon Ranges to participate in an upcoming focus groups to help shape a new holistic mental health education program to support the wellbeing of grade five and six students across the shire.
The focus groups follow on from recent community consultation, which resulted in over 200 surveys completed by parents, teachers and the broader community. Results highlighted the need for a whole-of-community response to building resilience and positive mental health for children in grades five and six.
The focus groups will be facilitated by the Jeder Institute, a not-for-profit organisation with expertise in consulting with a strong community focus and will explore themes identified in the survey such as childhood development, mental health literacy, behaviours, risk and protective factors for mental health and what constitutes a good mental health education program.
A focus group for teachers in primary schools in the Macedon Ranges will be held online on Monday 15 August from 4pm–5.30pm. This will be followed by a focus group for parents of primary school aged children in the shire, being held online on Tuesday 16 August from 6.30pm–8.30pm.
The council would also like to acknowledge all of the primary schools that applied to have the pilot program delivered in their school. Woodend Primary School and Kyneton Primary School have been selected to take part in the pilot program.
The aim of the pilot program is to establish an evidence base in order to extend the program to additional primary schools in the shire.
Council’s Director Community Maria Weiss said the education program is aimed at building resilience, mental health awareness and a community of support for children during these transitional years.
“The primary school years are such a pivotal stage in a child’s development and many have faced the challenges of uncertainty and fear over the last couple of years. We know that for some this has affected their confidence and their overall mental health. This program allows us to work closely with the schools, parents and children to provide a relevant mental health education program that will promote positive mental health for children,” she said.
To register for the focus groups or find out more information about the program visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/PSMH
