At the University of South Australia (UniSA) our mental health researchers are tackling the critical frontline issues and delivering enterprising solutions.
From prevention, through to complex and acute responses designed for people in crisis – right up to the point of care, our work spans the whole spectrum.
One of these researchers is Professor Elspeth McInnes AM whose inspiring work is already having meaningful impact.
Educators in schools are connected to a wide variety of children from all walks of life.
However, some of the issues facing schools with high numbers of students with complex needs are often an amalgamation of living with poverty, family problems, speaking home languages other than English, and dealing with traumatizing events and contexts such as refugee experiences.
Associate Professor Elspeth McInnes AM and her team at UniSA have been developing innovative and sustainable ways to implement cultures of wellbeing in primary classrooms and schools in South Australia, especially for vulnerable children.
Their research has demonstrated that working with students and educators over time, using structured peer education and classroom-based professional coaching in trauma informed pedagogy, can drastically improve a child’s sense of safety, belonging and enjoyment within their school environment.
Other outcomes have included student leadership opportunities, teachers’ experiences of reduced stress and improved relationships with students, as well as increases in the engagement of family with their child’s school.
These gains have been accompanied by sustained improvements in student attendance, peer friendships and academic achievements.
Following their notable successes to date, the team’s next research phase involves working with diverse early childhood service contexts to co-design processes to support carers, parent volunteers and educators to implement trauma informed care for younger children.
These education practices will foster pre-school aged children’s (0-5 years) positive social and emotional development, as well as supporting the continued development of knowledge and resources for families to help them contribute toward these collective goals.
The UniSA Mental Health Research Fund has been established to source more support for our key researchers and direct funds to those most able to address the problems of today. To learn more about UniSA’s Enterprising Minds for Mental Health and our research click here.
If you or anyone you know needs help please contact
When you give today, 100% of your donation will go directly to UniSA's mental health researchers - with no admin fees or hidden costs.
At UniSA, our researchers are dedicated to helping people who strive to live a better life. Join us in making mental health a priority by donating to the UniSA Mental Health Research Fund today.
Contact the Advancement team on +61 8 8302 7375 or email us
UniSA respectfully acknowledges the Kaurna, Boandik and Barngarla First Nations Peoples and their Elders past and present, who are the First Nations’ Traditional Owners of the lands that are now home to our campuses in Adelaide, Mount Gambier and Whyalla.
ARTWORK: Ngupulya Pumani
The University of South Australia is a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR).
Copyright Privacy notification Web accessibility Disclaimers
CRICOS provider number 00121B Australian University provider number PRV12107
