State government to boost mental health support in schools

The state government will boost mental health services in Victorian schools, including those in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, as they begin to respond to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.

On March 31, education and mental health minister James Merlino invited providers in the student mental health and wellbeing space to sign-up to deliver their services in schools around the state as part of the Schools Mental Health Fund Menu.

The online Menu will allow schools to select evidence-based programs and initiatives across three tiers of intervention, early intervention and cohort specific initiatives.

The Schools Mental Health Fund will be rolled out to all government schools, starting in regional Victoria in mid-2022 and across the state by 2024.

Mr Merlino said he wants all Victorians to have access to the tools they need to be happy and resilient.

“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,” he said.