School to Train 100% of Staff in Youth Mental Health First Aid

Mental health challenges among young people are on the rise globally, with research from The Lancet Psychiatry Commission revealing a surge in anxiety and depression in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite this, research has shown that three in four Australian children aren’t getting the support they need to address their mental health issues.

Staff at Sydney’s Waverley College noticed a rise in mental health and wellbeing concerns amongst its students - so much so that staff felt compelled to take action.

“We saw a need. What we were noticing throughout the school is higher presentations of different mental health concerns,” says James Horrocks, Head of Student Wellbeing at Waverley College.

In response, the all-boys college has taken an unprecedented step by ensuring every single staff member - from teachers to administrative staff - is trained as a Youth Mental Health First Aider (YMHFA).

The extensive YMHFA training teaches staff to recognise early signs of mental health struggles and respond effectively, ensuring affected students can access the support they need when they need it. Since the completion of training, the college has seen a reduction in mental health stigma and increased conversations around mental health that benefit the wider school community.

“Knowing what language to use, and how to structure a conversation around mental health and mental health first aid, has given staff a lot of confidence,” says Mr Horrocks.

“And even if they’re not necessarily sure how to deal with a situation at a specific point in time, they know how to get in touch with someone who can provide appropriate support.”

Tackling the gendered stereotypes around mental illness in young men has been a key priority for the all-boys school. Studies show that suicide remains a common cause of death among young males, underscoring the importance of early intervention programs like YMHFA.

“Having every staff member trained in YMHFA not only breaks down stereotypes and reduces stigma but also empowers our community to recognise early signs of poor mental health,” says Sam Douglas, a PDHPE teacher at Waverley College.

“This structured, proactive approach helps to create a more understanding and responsive community.”

Waverley College plans to continue prioritising school-wide mental health by launching a new wellbeing framework in early 2025 and introducing Teen Mental Health First Aid (Teen MHFA) for all students.

This holistic approach aims to equip the school community with the tools to recognise and respond to mental health concerns before they escalate further, setting the benchmark for schools nationwide to prioritise wellbeing in educational settings.

Image by Samiro