Student and Staff Mental Health Literacy and MindMatters Plus

Abstract

This article examines the literature and the experience of the MindMatters Plus demonstration schools in regard to improving student and staff mental health literacy. The aim of the MindMatters Plus initiative is to build the capacity of secondary schools to increase their support of students with high mental health needs. This is achieved in various ways including the embedding of strategies that support students into the curriculum and ethos of the school, creating processes that effectively identify students at risk, and building community partnerships. A foundation for these strategies is to strengthen staff and student awareness of mental health issues and to create an environment in which students are more willing to seek assistance. This article explores how schools can increase student and staff mental health literacy, and includes examples gained from the experience of the MindMatters Plus demonstration schools.