Self-harm is the leading cause of death for young people in Australia aged 5-17, half of all mental health problems emerge by age 14, and anxiety depression and suicide are on the rise.
Now with the extraordinary challenges presented to Australian communities in 2020 with drought, floods, bushfire and now covid-19, mental illness is skyrocketing, and children are at an increased risk. According to a new report released by University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre, even in a “best-case scenario”, Australia is forecast to see an increase in suicide deaths of “at least” 13.7% over the next 5 years.
Increase in suicide deaths of “at least” 13.7% over the next 5 years
Positive Living Skills founders, Cath Shaw (l) and Jo Devin (r).
Over the last 6 years, Cath Shaw and Jo Devin, the founders of Positive Living Skills have worked with psychologists, educators and researchers to develop and prove the evidence based, Positive Living Skills Initiative, a long term, curriculum mapped, educational based preventative approach that supports the resilience and emotional wellbeing of educators children and families.
The two core offerings of Positive Living Skills are the Early Childhood Wellbeing Program and the Primary School Wellbeing program, now represented in 60 plus Early Learning Centres and Services and 25 Primary Schools in Australia.
The Early Childhood Wellbeing Program has recently been converted to an online subscription model and the Primary School curriculum which supports multiple Government funded frameworks is ready for deployment.
The organisation is ready to market the products at scale, and further develop the Early Childhood growth mindset mascot character Possa Bill.
If you’d like to see this program offered in your Early Childhood Centre or Primary School, contact team@positivelivingskills.com.au
One10 Social Impact Grants
Positive Living Skills was one of two recipients to access the One10 Social Impact Grants offered during Covid19, they received $10K of services to help advance their organisation and social impact.