Note: this is a past research project that is now complete. 

Background

The beyondblue schools research initiative was conducted over 3 years from 2003 to 2005 and involved 50 schools in Victoria, South Australia and Queensland.

This project looked at strategies (that schools could use) for use in the classroom and across the whole school that aimed to reduce depression in young people.

The project consisted of 4 main components and involved working with schools to:

• Develop ways of creating a supportive school environment (through strengthening relationships within the school community and increasing student participation)
• Identify pathways within the school and beyond for students needing help 
• Raise awareness of mental health issues through community forums 
• Deliver a classroom program based on improving students' social and emotional skills over a three-year period.

To measure the effect of the project, student and staff surveys have been conducted each year providing important information about their health & wellbeing. The three-year intervention is now complete, however survey data will continue to be collected into 2007.

Data describing how schools went about implementing the project was also collected to learn more about schools and change processes. 

Funders

• 2003 -2005: Beyondblue National Depression Initiative
• 2006 - 2007: National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC)

Contact

Michelle Tollit
michelle.tollit@mcri.edu.au