MindED Program
In 2020, we worked with NSW Department of Education, Sarah Redfern Highschool, Minto and headspace to develop and deliver a pilot program linked back to the curriculum in NSW schools. Our goals were to reduce the stigma of talking about mental ill-health, open the conversation, and provide students with support and coping tools following an increase in students experiencing mental health related concerns.
Since then, The Goanna Academy has continued working with NSW Education to establish opportunities to expand this program. In 2022 we delivered our program to schools in Orange, the Central Coast, across Northern NSW, in QLD, in Abergowrie, and the Darling and Southern Downs regions.
We were successful in gaining Quality Assurance through the NSW Department of Education under their Wellbeing program, making us an approved program for NSW schools.
In 2023, our delivery reach continued to grow, with MindED programs delivered in Western NSW, Northern NSW, Far North QLD, the South Coast with more programs planned across all of NSW and QLD.
We continue to work towards better social and emotional wellbeing outcomes for all Australians and to reduce the stigma associated with reaching out for mental health support.
MindED is a mental fitness program. The program leverages Greg Inglis’ platform and lived experiences in conjunction with both physical and mental exercises delivered over multiple visits to improve mental health outcomes among users. The pilot program commenced in December 2020, delivered in partnership with headspace Australia, involving students from NSW Education & Sarah Redfern High School.
Objectives:
Students to be educated in mental health awareness (training and tools)
Students to engage in conversation about mental health
Students to identify support services
Students to engage in help seeking behaviour and identify tools to alleviate stress
Outcomes: Increase attendance in schools for all grades
Outcomes: Assist in reducing the rate of suicide deaths in NSW by 20%
Outcomes: Assist in increasing the proportion of Aboriginal students attaining year 12 by 50%, while maintaining their cultural identity
In consultation with headspace and the NSW Education Child Wellbeing Unit, in-school teams, and other clinical mental health experts, The Goanna Academy developed the MindED program.
The program is designed to create a safe space for students to learn, share and communicate across various learning techniques.
Key learning outcomes are covered and delivered in line with the school curriculum.
At its core, the MindED program aims to open a dialogue around Mental Health, establish preventative strategies, healthy habits and provide students with tools for the future.
Modules delivered within the full program include goal setting, routine and time management, positive self esteem, self-care & wellbeing.
