Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS)
Parents and Carers
Mental health literacy is the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to recognise when a young person may be struggling, understand how to respond and know where to seek support. As rates of anxiety, depression and psychological distress continue to rise among children and adolescents, mental health literacy has become increasingly important.
The earlier concerns are identified and addressed, the greater the opportunity to provide support before difficulties escalate.
While many adults want to help, they often feel uncertain about what is typical behaviour, what may be a warning sign and how to start conversations about mental health. In a world saturated with information, it can also be difficult to know what advice is trustworthy and evidence-based. Building mental health literacy helps adults feel more confident, reduces stigma around mental health and encourages help-seeking when needed.
Schools also play an important role in promoting mental health literacy by fostering supportive environments where wellbeing is valued and open conversations are encouraged. When schools and families work together, they can create a strong network of support around young people, helping them develop resilience, access appropriate help and feel confident speaking up when they need help.
To further support your understanding of Mental Health Literacy, we invite you to watch the short video linked below.
SPECIAL REPORT: Mental Health Literacy - A Guided Reflection | Sacred Heart School - Corryong
Joe Quinn
Mental Health Wellbeing Leader
Mental Health Continuum
SUPPORT FOR PARENTS
From time to time, parents may need some support with our children during different stages of their lives.
The CHIPS program at Gateway Health is an early intervention service designed to support children aged from zero to 12 with social, emotional, or behavioural challenges.
The program offers therapeutic counselling, groupwork, and parenting support to help children at risk of mental health issues. It is available in several locations, including:
Beechworth
Bright
Chiltern
Corryong
Mt Beauty
Myrtleford
Tallangatta
Wodonga
Yackandandah
To access the CHIPS program, families can submit a referral form, and the CHIPS Coordinator will contact them for further assistance.
The CHIPS program is a vital resource for families seeking support for their children's mental health and wellbeing.
It aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for children to receive the help they need to address their challenges.
Parents and Carers can self-refer to this service, or you can contact St Michael's if you need support through the process.
There can be a 6-8 week wait timeframe.
The referral link is below:
Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing - Gateway Health
Joe Quinn
Mental Health Wellbeing Leader
