St James’ is proud to announce that we have become a ‘Mentally Healthy School’ Partner of the Act Belong Commit campaign, a mental health initiative promoting positive mental health and wellbeing in our community.
First developed in 2002, Act Belong Commit is Western Australia’s longest running mental health promotion campaign. The campaign encourages individuals to take action to improve their mental health by staying active, building relationships, and finding a sense of purpose in their lives.
As a Mentally Healthy School Partner, St James’ will be promoting these values within the school setting and providing resources and support for students and staff to take care of their mental health.
St James’ Principal Adrian Pree says the school is commited to promoting positive mental health among students and staff.
“We believe that a healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body. By partnering with Act Belong Commit, we are taking proactive steps to support the mental health and wellbeing of our school community,” Mr Pree said.
“We are committed to creating a nurturing and supportive environment where students, parents and staff feel empowered to prioritise their mental health and seek help when needed. By becoming a Mentally Healthy School, we are sending a clear message that mental health matters and that we are here to support and encourage positive mental health practices,” Mr Pree added.
Act Belong Commit Schools Program Coordinator Reearna Morgan says schools are important settings for supporting mental health and wellbeing among young people.
“A child or young person’s ability to be mentally healthy can be greatly enhanced by a school community that fosters belonging and connectedness. The first signs of mental health issues often appear early in childhood and over half of all mental health conditions emerge by the age of 14. We are delighted that St James’ is motivating and inspiring its community to take action to protect and improve mental health and wellbeing,” Ms Morgan said.
Through this partnership, St James’ hopes to foster a culture of openness and support around mental health, creating a safe and inclusive space for everyone in the school community. Together, we can all work towards building a mentally healthy and thriving community.
