Pictured L to R: Dr Lauren McLellan and Distinguished Professor Ron Rapee

Macquarie University has won a $10.5 million competitive tender from the Australian Department of Education to provide the first Voluntary Mental Health Check Tool (VMHCT) for schools and students across Australia.

This revolutionary screening tool will help identify students struggling with mental health and wellbeing at a given time, as well as assist schools by recommending appropriate pathways to care.

“Macquarie University is honoured to deliver this vital mental health tool for Australian schoolchildren, cementing our place as a global leader in youth and digital mental health,” says Professor Patrick McNeil, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Medicine and Health), and Executive Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences.

“We are committed to improving the lives of our community through our groundbreaking research and significant partnerships, such as this with the Department of Education.”

Led by Distinguished Professor Ron Rapee, Macquarie researchers have successfully trialled a simple mental health screening program in many New South Wales schools, with funding support from the Bupa Foundation. The trial proved highly effective in identifying young people in need of support and received glowing feedback from schools and students.

Dr Lauren McLellan from the University’s Centre for Emotional Health, now part of the newly formed Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre, will head up the multidisciplinary VMHCT team as the director.

Dr McLellan says they will draw on this research as they develop the new tool in conjunction with schools, teachers, school counsellors and other important stakeholders in each state.

“About 14 per cent of young Australians struggle with mental health problems like depression, anxiety, difficulties with attention, or eating concerns. These young people experience difficulties across many areas of their lives, as well as at school. Sadly, only a quarter of them receive help from a health service,” explains Dr McLellan.

“If we can identify students early, we can get them the help they need as soon as possible, improving their lives in and out of school. We will work closely with the education sector to ensure this essential tool is as effective and far-reaching as possible.”

The VMHCT will be available in schools from Term 1, 2024.

For more information, visit the VMHCT website.

Exciting job opportunities are available to join the VMHCT service team. Currently, the Project and Operations Manager role is being advertised. Other jobs soon to be advertised include the Partnership and Engagement Manager, Education and Clinical Delivery Manager, Marketing and Campaigns Consultant, and Project Assistant, among other roles. Visit the Careers at Macquarie webpage (search ‘VMHCT Project’), or email Dr McLellan to register your interest.