Emotional distress affects children, young people and school communities. This may include mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, self-harm behaviours, suicidal ideation and suicide. These issues have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of children and young people, including their educational, developmental and wellbeing outcomes. Staff often report feeling overwhelmed to respond to students presenting with mental health concerns.
SAFEMinds is a professional learning package for primary and secondary school staff that is underpinned by the NIP it in the bud! (Notice, Inquire, Plan) early intervention approach.
NIP it in the bud! provides a whole school approach to recognising and responding to the early warning signs of depression, anxiety and emotional distress communicated through self-harm. It is founded on a range of evidence informed child and adolescent mental health resources, and aims to provide schools and families with information and an approach to optimise wellbeing and minimise risks for children and young people within the school setting.
SAFEMinds provides schools with access to facilitated training and a comprehensive learning package that will assist staff to develop the skills and confidence to effectively identify, respond, support and refer school students with mental health concerns.