Bankstown Sports is proud to support Gotcha4Life with $20,000 to run their Mentally Fit Schools Program at St Brendan’s Public School in Bankstown.

This program is a prevention-first mental health promotion initiative that embeds mental fitness into the heart of school communities, equipping students, teachers, and families with the skills and support needed to navigate life’s challenges.

Delivered by Gotcha4Life Mental Fitness Educators (MFEs), the Mentally Fit Schools Program includes co-designed Mental Fitness Action Plans, coaching for teachers, delivery of student experiences and facilitation of parent workshops.

Each MFE stays with a school community for 3 years, establishing a mentally fit culture and the capacity for self-sufficiency.

This program strengthens three proven protective factors for mental wellbeing:

• Emotional adaptability
• Social connection
• Help-seeking behaviour

After completing the program, 100 per cent of teachers reported an increase in confidence to support student wellbeing, and 95 per cent of Year 6 students say they intend to use the mental fitness strategies.

We look forward to seeing the positive outcomes from this program in our local young people.