Welcome to the MHiPS website

Published

Wednesday, April 6, 2022 - 12:00 PM

What you can expect from our new website, plus the MHiPS origin and vision 

This newly launched website aims to keep schools, parents and policymakers informed about the Mental Health and Primary Schools (MHiPS) program and provide resources to support children’s mental health and wellbeing in primary schools.

MHiPS recognises that teachers and primary schools are uniquely placed to observe and respond to the emerging mental health needs of children. MHiPS enables schools to employ a Mental Health and Wellbeing Coordinator and support staff to better understand and respond to mental health issues affecting their students, and build stronger connections with social care and health services. 

MHiPS started as a pilot program with 10 schools in 2020, 26 schools in 2021 and will expand to include 90 government schools and 10 non-government schools in Victoria in 2022. In 2021, the MHiPS team provided training to 66 school representatives, including 26 health and wellbeing coordinators, their school leaders and school staff. 

Feedback from schools has been overwhelmingly positive, and the MHiPS team have seen improved care pathways for children who may otherwise have slipped through the cracks. Learn more about the MHiPS research and training.  

MHiPS leaders have a key role in advocacy, building mental health literacy, and responding to the needs of staff, children and families. You might like to take a look at some of these related resources:

• Webinar: Words matter: Getting the language of child mental health right
• Webinar: Integrating care to improve child mental health in families experiencing adversity