The state Victorian government has announced a boost to mental health and wellbeing to support for Victorian schools following the 2022 federal budget announcement.
“We want all Victorians to have access to the tools they need to be happy and resilient—and that’s why we’re bolstering mental health and wellbeing support at schools right across Victoria,” said James Merlino, the state’s education and mental health minister.
The top 30 recommendations included regional integrated governance of mental health, support in wellbeing services, as well as social and emotional wellbeing support for young Australians and students.
In response, Merlino announced boosts to the Schools Mental Health Fund Menu, inviting more wellbeing providers to sign up and deliver their services.
The $86.9 million (US$65.25 million) Menu, is part of Labor’s $200 million Schools Mental Health Fund, and is a program that features positive mental health promotion items for school students and staff.
Items currently listed include wellbeing dogs, arts therapy, training for teachers in trauma-informed practice, and many more.
The $200 million Schools Mental Health Fund is expected to be rolled out to all government schools in regional Victoria mid-year and across the state by 2024.
The “menu” will allow schools to select evidence-based programs and initiatives from across three tiers of intervention, including positive mental health promotion, early intervention, and cohort specific initiatives and targeted support.
“I would encourage providers in the student mental health and wellbeing sector, who would like to deliver services as part of our Schools Mental Health Menu, to apply to be part of this important initiative,” Merlino said.
News of increased Victorian mental health support came following the Coalition’s 2022 budget announcement on March 29.
