increase in teacher confidence delivering mental health lessons to students
increase in teachers providing emotional support to students struggling with mental health
of teachers observed students putting skills into practice
HEALTH, WELLBEING AND RESILIENCE
Child and youth mental health is a growing concern with long-term consequences. Limited resources, stigma, and inadequate support systems compound the problem. Addressing this requires creating supportive environments, reducing stigma, improving access to resources, and enhancing mental health literacy.
The Open Parachute Program is a cutting-edge well-being program aimed at upskilling students, parents and teachers through peer role-modelling, which is clinically proven to help students develop resilience. Participating schools receive an in-person resilience workshop where AFL players share their lived experience of building resilience and overcoming mental challenge.
Student education – the program provides curriculum-aligned student lessons based on documentary videos that showcase Australian youth sharing their own experiences of overcoming struggle. Peer role modeling is clinically proven to help students develop resilience, while also creating a sense of safety in the classroom, enabling students to explore their own experiences of struggle.
Teacher support – the program provides teachers with guidance and support from clinical psychologists making it possible for teachers to explore mental health concepts. Alongside their students, teachers learn important skills that not only give them the confidence to support the mental health of their students but also improve their own mental health along the way.
Parent resources – the program provides parents with resources developed by clinical psychologists to support parents to reduce child’s mental health concerns.
Discover more about the Open Parachute program:
Interested in partnering with this program? Submit an enquiry and a member from our executive team will make contact to arrange a meeting.



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