Mental Health Education Program for schools

Whilst it is not compulsory to have your cameras on, we encourage that you do where possible, to support engagement and connection with other groups in the session. This can also support our Mental Health Education Program consultants to engage with your students and to see what is happening in each classroom. We understand that local school guidelines or internet connections may limit whether your group can have their cameras on.

To participate in the online workshop, you will need:

• Microsoft Teams (please speak with your IT departments to ensure you have access to Microsoft Teams ahead of time)
• A projector
• Speakers
• Keyboard to engage with discussions via Microsoft Teams chatbox
• Microphone, should your students also wish to engage verbally with the wider group

Please do not share the Teams link with students to log in individually using their own devices.

Each session will run for 1 hour and 15 minutes:

• 60 minutes for content and activities
  15 minutes at the beginning to ensure everyone can log in and their technology is working

Teachers are required to supervise the students and manage behaviour throughout the sessions. We also ask that they support the group to engage and actively participate in the event discussions and activities. It is also important for teachers to monitor the wellbeing of students throughout the session and check in on anyone who they feel may have been impacted by the content.

These online workshops are being offered to classes across Australia so we are unable to shift the times. We recommend setting up a separate space in the school with staff supervision, for class groups to attend the workshops between lesson times.

Any class at your school from year 7-12 is welcome to join any of the online workshops, with the exception of Transitions: Primary to secondary (year 6 only) and Transitions: Leaving secondary school (years 10-12 only).

Your classes are welcome to register separately or together as a whole cohort. If the time slots don’t fit with your timetable, we suggest setting up a separate space in the school with staff supervision for class groups to attend.

Please note that we do not recommend selecting students to attend a workshop, as the workshops are designed for delivery to your entire class. The general mental health information can support the wellbeing of all of your students.

The content will discuss general mental health and ways to manage stress and tough times. We also promote help-seeking and encourage young people to reach out to their families and teachers if they need any support. If you’re aware of a student in your class who may find these discussions upsetting, please speak with their families and give them the option to opt out.

If your school has recently been impacted by a critical incident or suicide death, please connect with the Be You team in your state or territory for support.