This morning the Minister for Education announced that the Mental Health in Primary Schools pilot will be rolled out to all government and low fee schools from 2023-2026. VicSRC is pleased to see further investment from the Andrews' Government to support the dual priorities of Learning and Wellbeing within the Framework for Improving Student Outcomes.
It is vital that students are actively included in whole school approaches to mental health and wellbeing. VicSRC is looking forward to supporting the implementation and evaluation of this program through advice and guidance to government directly from students. VicSRC previously piloted a Primary School Advisory Group designed to elevate the voices of children and young people in primary school and share their experiences with educators, families and decision makers, including through the Mental Health in Primary School webinar. VicSRC would be delighted to work with the government to continue to incorporate younger voices in education and mental health in schools.
Lived experience is a central pillar of the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Act also introduced today and VicSRC is looking forward to learning more about Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Victoria, a new body established as part of the Bill to champion the voice of young people with lived experience, including on its governing board and advisory body.
To see what students have been saying most recently about mental health and wellbeing solutions they want to see in the education system check out our Advocacy Platform.