Mustering Growth: Emotional Resilience for Rural and Remote Schoolchildren
Tracks
Bluewater I
| Wednesday, November 6, 2024 |
| 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM |
| Bluewater I |
Overview
Myfanwy Pitcher and Marg McKay, Rural Aid Limited
Presenter
Marg McKay
Counsellor & Community Representative
Rural Aid Limited
Mustering Growth: Emotional Resilience for Rural and Remote Schoolchildren
Abstract
Growing up in rural Australia gives children special experiences that urban kids don’t get, but also comes with unique challenges. Research has demonstrated that young people living in non-urban areas may experience poorer mental health, especially those impacted by natural disasters, such as bushfires and drought, and are more likely to be exposed to natural disasters compared to those living in urban areas.
A review of evidence-based wellbeing programs in 2020 revealed that there were no wellbeing programs specifically designed and delivered to students attending regional and rural schools, internationally or in Australia.. In response to this gap, Rural Aid commissioned researchers from Monash University to design and evaluate a specialised program to improve the resilience and coping skills of children in regional and rural Australia; Mustering Growth.
Mustering Growth aims to celebrate all that is great about growing up in the bush; strengthening kids innate resilience, normalising mental health experiences and decreasing stigma, increasing mental health literacy, and building skills and strategies to cope with challenges that are unique to the experience of rural children. The program, characterized by its interactivity, flexibility, and incorporation of nature-based activities, endeavours to make learning enjoyable while imparting crucial life skills.
This presentation will delve into the initial pilot and evaluation of Mustering Growth, detailing program delivery methods and discussing current strategies and innovations for the future. By shedding light on this groundbreaking initiative, we aim to inspire further efforts in addressing the mental health needs of rural children, fostering their growth and well-being in communities across Australia and beyond.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Utilising nature-based activity to develop resilience.
2. How to engage teachers and parents in the program goals and outcomes.
3. Differences between adult and child ratings of children's coping and wellbeing.
A review of evidence-based wellbeing programs in 2020 revealed that there were no wellbeing programs specifically designed and delivered to students attending regional and rural schools, internationally or in Australia.. In response to this gap, Rural Aid commissioned researchers from Monash University to design and evaluate a specialised program to improve the resilience and coping skills of children in regional and rural Australia; Mustering Growth.
Mustering Growth aims to celebrate all that is great about growing up in the bush; strengthening kids innate resilience, normalising mental health experiences and decreasing stigma, increasing mental health literacy, and building skills and strategies to cope with challenges that are unique to the experience of rural children. The program, characterized by its interactivity, flexibility, and incorporation of nature-based activities, endeavours to make learning enjoyable while imparting crucial life skills.
This presentation will delve into the initial pilot and evaluation of Mustering Growth, detailing program delivery methods and discussing current strategies and innovations for the future. By shedding light on this groundbreaking initiative, we aim to inspire further efforts in addressing the mental health needs of rural children, fostering their growth and well-being in communities across Australia and beyond.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Utilising nature-based activity to develop resilience.
2. How to engage teachers and parents in the program goals and outcomes.
3. Differences between adult and child ratings of children's coping and wellbeing.
Biography
Growing up on farm surrounded by sheep, Marg was later inspired to own a small property of her own and has dabbled in shearing and wool classing. These days, Marg leaves farming duties to her cattle-loving son.
Marg prides herself on being a wonderful listener. She’s great at helping people accept what they cannot change and guiding them to a brighter future.
Her experience helping farmers and their families in times of crisis has led her to be a passionate advocate for better health services in the bush.
“Rural communities suffer from the lack of services to address many types of health issues, especially mental health” Marg says.
Ms Myfanwy Pitcher
Manager – Mental Health and Wellbeing
Rural Aid Limited
Mustering Growth: Emotional Resilience for Rural and Remote Schoolchildren
Abstract
Growing up in rural Australia gives children special experiences that urban kids don’t get, but also comes with unique challenges. Research has demonstrated that young people living in non-urban areas may experience poorer mental health, especially those impacted by natural disasters, such as bushfires and drought, and are more likely to be exposed to natural disasters compared to those living in urban areas.
A review of evidence-based wellbeing programs in 2020 revealed that there were no wellbeing programs specifically designed and delivered to students attending regional and rural schools, internationally or in Australia.. In response to this gap, Rural Aid commissioned researchers from Monash University to design and evaluate a specialised program to improve the resilience and coping skills of children in regional and rural Australia; Mustering Growth.
Mustering Growth aims to celebrate all that is great about growing up in the bush; strengthening kids innate resilience, normalising mental health experiences and decreasing stigma, increasing mental health literacy, and building skills and strategies to cope with challenges that are unique to the experience of rural children. The program, characterized by its interactivity, flexibility, and incorporation of nature-based activities, endeavours to make learning enjoyable while imparting crucial life skills.
This presentation will delve into the initial pilot and evaluation of Mustering Growth, detailing program delivery methods and discussing current strategies and innovations for the future. By shedding light on this groundbreaking initiative, we aim to inspire further efforts in addressing the mental health needs of rural children, fostering their growth and well-being in communities across Australia and beyond.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Utilising nature-based activity to develop resilience.
2. How to engage teachers and parents in the program goals and outcomes.
3. Differences between adult and child ratings of children's coping and wellbeing.
A review of evidence-based wellbeing programs in 2020 revealed that there were no wellbeing programs specifically designed and delivered to students attending regional and rural schools, internationally or in Australia.. In response to this gap, Rural Aid commissioned researchers from Monash University to design and evaluate a specialised program to improve the resilience and coping skills of children in regional and rural Australia; Mustering Growth.
Mustering Growth aims to celebrate all that is great about growing up in the bush; strengthening kids innate resilience, normalising mental health experiences and decreasing stigma, increasing mental health literacy, and building skills and strategies to cope with challenges that are unique to the experience of rural children. The program, characterized by its interactivity, flexibility, and incorporation of nature-based activities, endeavours to make learning enjoyable while imparting crucial life skills.
This presentation will delve into the initial pilot and evaluation of Mustering Growth, detailing program delivery methods and discussing current strategies and innovations for the future. By shedding light on this groundbreaking initiative, we aim to inspire further efforts in addressing the mental health needs of rural children, fostering their growth and well-being in communities across Australia and beyond.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Utilising nature-based activity to develop resilience.
2. How to engage teachers and parents in the program goals and outcomes.
3. Differences between adult and child ratings of children's coping and wellbeing.
Biography
Myf is the Manager of Mental Health & Wellbeing at Rural Aid, bringing over two decades of experience in the mental health field to her role. With a rich background encompassing both clinical practice and management, she is deeply committed to supporting farmers and rural communities. Myf holds a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Social Work, with specialisation in Mental Health.
Now, Myf leads Rural Aid’s Mental Health team, overseeing operations and driving strategic development. Her mission is clear: to enhance mental health and resilience outcomes for those living and working in rural Australia.
Host
Lise Saunders
Event Coordinator
AST Management
Justine White
Event Manager
AST Management
