The state government has announced three new programs as part of the $200 million Schools Mental Health Menu, providing targeted mental health support to students when they need it most.
The Mental Health Menu is designed for schools to select evidence-based programs, support staff and resources which enables schools to select the mental health tools that best match the unique needs of their student cohorts.
The Schools Mental Health Fund and Menu was established in 2022 in response to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, which found that schools play a critical role in identifying student mental health and wellbeing challenges and making referrals to appropriate supports.
All Victorian government schools have access to the Mental Health Fund and receive ongoing funding for the menu.
The updated menu includes 59 evidence-based programs and initiatives, supporting schools to meet their students’ mental health and wellbeing needs, with special consideration given to programs servicing rural and regional areas.
Through the menu, schools can book trusted services in areas such as social and emotional learning, mental health literacy and eating disorders. The menu also includes services that provide early intervention and cohort specific support, such as therapeutic programs and how to cope with disaster, grief and loss.
Schools can also use the fund to employ qualified mental health and wellbeing professionals, including counsellors, youth workers, and arts, music and animal therapy services.
Education Minister Ben Carroll said “Not only are we putting thousands of mental health workers and leaders in every Victorian school, we’re also making sure kids have access to a full suite of mental health tools right through their time at school.”
“We’re making sure every child has the support they need to thrive at school, without the added expense for families.”
