The Primary School Wellbeing Program, developed by Positive Living Skills, draws on research from Charles Sturt University to provide a truly preventative approach to helping establish and support mental wellbeing in five to 12 year olds.

The teacher-led program uses an integrated curriculum and a range of immersive learning experiences to nurture positive interactions, resilience, healthy self-esteem and personal management amongst students.

The program uses pre-prepared resources and provides a fresh, comprehensive, curriculum-mapped approach to teaching mental wellbeing and life skills in Australian primary schools.

"Our Primary School Wellbeing program takes a whole community approach to supporting and encouraging mental wellbeing in youngsters," said founder of Positive Living Skills and former Western NSW Parkes resident Catherine Shaw.

"Life in rural communities can be very demanding. The last few years have brought untold challenges that have had a devastating effect on many communities and this can manifest in increased anxiety and lowered resilience in children.

"At a time when youngsters should be carefree, anxiety and waning self-esteem is negatively impacting their growth and development. If they learn appropriate coping skills at a young age they will have these to draw upon as they face challenges later in life.

Shaw said the resources are delivered through the schools but focuses on the whole community including teachers, students and families.

"By participating, schools are helping to provide their students with the language and skills to strengthen their mental resolve and outlooks that helps to enhance wellbeing throughout the community."

The program is fully supported by Western NSW Primary Health Network and is available to a limited number of Mudgee primary schools.

Expressions of Interest are due by July 30, 2021. For more information, visit: https://www.positivelivingskills.com.au/wnswphn-funding-opportunity

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