Equipping young rural minds with a strong skillset to cope with and avoid mental illness is next on the priority list for Saint Francis Xavier Primary School in Lake Cargelligo.

Their project, 'Early Minds,' will engage the Resilience Project School Partnership Program (RPSPP) to support staff to deliver their positive mental health strategies.

Principal of Saint Francis Xavier Jacinta Elwin says "the Resilience Project's overall strategies are to help people become happier and more resilient. It makes the topic of mental health accessible and breaks down the stigma attached to it."

"Research from this program has provided evidence that the more positive emotion you experience, the more resilient you will be," she said.

The program will focus on three key pillars proven to cultivate positive emotions; Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness (GEM). The program also possesses a strong focus on connection, purpose, kindness, emotional literacy and physical health.

The work in Lake Cargelligo has been made possible through the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal's (FRRR) 'In A Good Place Project' which awarded fourteen grants to grassroots, community driven projects that increase social participation, help to reduce social isolation and encourage community members who are at risk of, or are experiencing, mental health issues to seek help.

Natalie Egleton, CEO of FRRR, said this program is particularly crucial now because of the increase in mental health struggles in rural Australia stemming from pressures of the pandemic and other natural disasters like floods, bushfires and drought.

“The last few years have seen remote, rural and regional communities facing challenges like never before. Often these events occur one after the other - or even at the same time. This has meant that many people in rural communities have been unable to access mental health services or support at a time when they need it most," she said.

Principal Elwin says the youth in Lake Cargelligo would benefit greatly from the program and that they're excited to include it into their teaching syllabus.

"We see generational disadvantage across our community and we seek to provide programs to break this cycle to the advantage of each individual student," said Ms Elwin.

"In a community like ours, developing resilience is critical to ensure life skills are instilled in individuals to help with the everyday of positive mind set with the intention of providing skills to assist with or avoid mental health issues later in life."

The funding will cover two packages which are the 'Inspire' package, including detailed presentations and resources for students, staff, parents and carers and the school.

The other package 'Engage,' includes student Journals with level-specific lessons, weekly conversation starters and wellbeing-themed games and activities. 

As an additional professional development opportunity the staff will attend a Teacher’s Conference to ensure the project can be delivered for future years. 

A full list of In a Good Place grant recipients is available on FRRR’s website.