edc.org’s Post

How is your workplace supporting mental wellness?

At Crawford, we emphasize well-being alongside policy education. Whether it's students, academics, or staff, the pressures of navigating public policy issues, academic challenges, or professional growth can weigh on mental health.     The R U OK? initiative serves as a powerful reminder to check in with our peers and foster a supportive community where meaningful conversations thrive.    Public policy isn’t just about systems - it’s about people. Through our work on mental health policy, social inclusion, and community well-being, the Crawford School understands the importance of creating supportive environments for all.     This R U OK? Day – and every day - let's show our care by asking our colleagues, friends, and loved ones: "Are you OK?"    Learn how to ask: https://lnkd.in/guhQkQG     #ruokanyday 

"Children who are the most engaged with literacy are three times more likely to have higher levels of mental wellbeing..." (NLT, Clark and Teravainen-Goff 2018) This incredible stat from the National Literacy Trust is just one of the many reasons we champion the use of stories as a way to teach wellbeing in schools. This is especially pertinent in the lead up to #WorldMentalHealthDay on 10th October. 📚Reading is a naturally mindful activity that promotes rest and relaxation. 🌍It connects us to new experiences and people - both internally through our imaginations, and externally as a way of bringing us together with like-minded people. 👩❤️👩Stories promote greater empathy and understanding, and foster a sense of belonging. 😍 Not to mention, it is a very enjoyable past-time! One which many of us use as a positive distraction and form of escapism. It is no wonder, then, that reading has such a drastic impact on children's mental wellbeing. Read more about our thoughts here: https://lnkd.in/e6RHRyay Bonus: We have created some free downloadable posters to promote the use of reading for wellbeing! Download for free here https://lnkd.in/e9jD6bPS #primaryliteracy #readingismagic #primarycurriculum

We're offering limited places for a FREE half-day, in-person workshop to teach people the basics of mental health promotion. The session is suitable for those working in community settings such as early childhood services, schools, Neighbourhood Houses, Men’s Sheds, sport and recreation clubs, the arts and libraries. It assumes no prior knowledge in mental health, public health, or health promotion. The next session is for those living or working in the inner Melbourne metro region, on Tuesday 18 June, 9am-1pm at the Community Hub at the Dock, Docklands. Topics covered include: What is mental health and what influences our mental wellbeing? What is mental health promotion and why is it important? What works to promote mental wellbeing, prevent mental health conditions, and build mental health and wellbeing literacy? How can I apply this knowledge to my role? We wish we could cater for everyone, but we are keen to prioritise access for those who will benefit most from the training with respect to their existing experience, current role, and organisational/setting. Please circulate this link to an Expression of Interest form or the attached flyer through your networks or, if you are interested yourself, please register your interest: https://bit.ly/3TSdKOu

Schools have not traditionally viewed themselves as platforms for ongoing, dedicated, universal parent focused support - despite extensive research demonstrating positive outcomes on a range of measures for children and young people - including child / teen mental health and wellbeing. With increased pressure on schools to provide the answers to complex social, health and behaviour concerns, there is little doubt that intensive caregiver support will also have a positive impact on staff wellbeing and retention. Big thanks to Penrhos College, Kalea Haran, Department of Education, Western Australia. Anita Moyes RN, PhD and School Psychologists' Association of Western Australia for the opportunity to promote caregiver focused support embedded in school communities – the future of positive early years development and mental health / wellbeing intervention.

The Mental Health Commission of Canada collaborated with Upstream Ottawa to develop a real-world example of e-mental health implementation, focusing on the new program Upstream started to support Black youth with mental health and substance-use health services: SAPACCY. Learners who sign up for the free, self-directed E-Mental Health Implementation Learning Modules can access this real-world example in Module 1: Exploring the world of e-mental health. https://ow.ly/wv2i50Q8SnN

The curriculum in the Certificate in Case Management - Advanced Collaboration in Care covers essential areas such as: - Mental health considerations - Navigating complex family dynamics - Fostering cultural competency - Promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion - Effectively collaborating with multiple professionals https://lnkd.in/eQRiYKu9

A year in review for the Teen Mental Wellness: Empowering Minds initiative! ▪️Beginning in January of 2023, United Way partnered with two local high schools to pilot this initiative in schools, serving nearly 1,800 students at both schools. ▪️The initiative expanded to an additional seven high schools beginning in the 2024 - 2025 school year. There are now a total of nine participating schools. ▪️Each school is developing its own Mental Wellness Team, which includes students and caregivers, to implement a system that works best for the schools’ unique communities. Learn more about this initiative. https://lnkd.in/gr2QfYTJ

Check out the new real-world example from Upstream Ottawa in module 1 of our E-Mental Health Implementation Learning Modules!

It's imperative to prioritize your mental well-being as educators. That's why we're thrilled to share 7 mental health activities for teachers that can be tailored specifically for you, aimed at fostering resilience, self-care, and overall well-being. Find out more here ---> #specialeducation #specialeducationteacher #educators #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #clarifistaffing #mentalhealthmatters #selfcare #selfcarematters https://lnkd.in/eEgWvmUz