The Role of the School's MHWL (Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader)

-Miss Coffey-

What is the role of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader (MHWL) within a school?

As some of you might know, I am the MHWL for Bridgewater this year. It is a new initiative by the State Government aimed at addressing some of the mental health and wellbeing concerns being seen within children and adolescents in schools and the wider community. According to Young Minds Matter, almost 1 in 7 children and adolescents between 4 and 17 years old were assessed as having a mental health condition. Research has also shown the adverse impact of events such as natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of children and young people in Australia. 

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Leaders (MHWLs) in schools play a role in fostering a supportive environment for students and staff. They are responsible for building the capacity of the school community to identify and support mental health needs, providing training and resources, and ensuring access to appropriate support services. They also focus on preventative strategies and promoting a positive school culture. 

Here are some of their responsibilities:

• Building Capacity:

  MHWLs train and support staff, particularly classroom teachers, to recognize and address mental health concerns in students. 

• Referral Pathways:

  They establish clear pathways for students who need additional support, connecting them with school-based resources and community services. 

• Whole-School Approaches:

  MHWLs implement and promote school-wide mental health and wellbeing initiatives, working with various stakeholders, including school leadership and other support staff. 

• Collaboration:

  They collaborate with regional education departments, school wellbeing teams, and other health professionals to coordinate appropriate mental health support. 

• Promoting Mental Health:

  MHWLs actively promote mental health and wellbeing within the school, raising awareness and reducing stigma. 

• Data and Evaluation:

  They may be involved in collecting and analyzing data related to student mental health, helping to identify areas for improvement. 

• Policy and Practice:

  MHWLs contribute to the development of policies and practices that support student mental health. 

Thanks,

Bron Cof