Healthy Minds Project

Scope

The Healthy Minds Project (HMP) launched in 2018 and is generously supported and funded by The Rotary Club of Townsville Central.  It educates and empowers young adults to lead wellbeing initiatives in their Townsville schools. A select group of Year 10 students across the seven Houses in the College participate in the program with aims of learning new skills to increase the well-being of peers.

Selection of Candidates

Year 10 students self-nominate and apply to be a part of the HMP crew.  The crew are selected based on question responses, contribution, and commitment they wish to offer.

Time commitment:

Falling under the Student Counsellor’s portfolio, the HMP crew commit to:

• Participating in 2 x one day workshops and 1x half day presentation session, facilitated by highly trained specialists from Student Leadership & Student Wellbeing | Unleashing Personal Potential
• Attending fortnightly meetings in Term 2 & 3, supported by the Student Counsellors and Dean of Wellbeing, to plan and develop their project initiative.
• Launching the Healthy Minds Project initiative in Term 4 during Qld Mental Health Week

Roles and College Involvement

HMP initiatives at Ignatius Park College include:

• 2021- the crew conducted a ‘student voice’ survey, across all year levels, to identify areas the HMP could focus on. The feedback contributed to the initiative of designing and creating a designated space to:
• INCREASE student connection and wellbeing support in a safe and private space in to recharge, regulate and reintegrate back into the school day and
• DECREASE stress or feeling overwhelmed, due to various reasons, to reduce impacts on mental health and well-being.

This space was created and named the Phoenix Room to represent renewal and resilience. It is now a part of the Student Counselling area where it is regularly used and accessed. 

• Across 2022/2023, the IPC Heathy Minds Project Crews, wanted to get involved in the ‘Blue Tree Project’, a suicide prevention initiative that originated in Australia.
• Trees were painted blue as a symbol of hope, connection, and the courage to speak up if you are struggling.

The IPC blue tree was embedded at the front of the College, to serve as a visual reminder to the IPC brotherhood to:

• Check in with your mates and loved ones.
• Speak up if or someone you know are struggling.
• There is hope. There is support.

 Check out the registered blue tree locations and see if you can find the IPC one is Our Story - Blue Tree Project.