Kids on the coast

The first national initiative to promote mental health and wellbeing in preschool and primary children will be rolled out in Australian schools over the next three years at a cost of $18.7 million. The KidsMatter program has already been trialed in 101 primary schools with participants experiencing less anxiety, depression and behavioural problems and doing better school work. Beyond Blue Chairman Jeff Kennett said this was a huge step forward in equipping this generation of children to understand that good mental health is just as important as good physical health. Visit www.kidsmatter.edu.au or www.youthbeyondblue.com