Western Sydney University partners with Gotcha4Life to support mental health in schools
Western Sydney University and Gotcha4Life have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on an innovative mental health program supporting school communities across Australia.
Through this partnership, the University will contribute its research expertise to support the delivery, evaluation, development, and scaling of Gotcha4Life’s transformative Mentally Fit Schools Program.
The program adopts awhole-of-school approach to foster emotional adaptability, social connectedness, and help-seeking behaviours among students, equipping them with lifelong skills to manage their mental wellbeing. The MoU was officially signed on 11 March 2025.
Professor Sarah Lewis, Dean of the School of Health Sciences at Western Sydney University, said the University was proud to contribute to a program that creates meaningful change within schools and communities.
“Our collaboration will focus on measuring the program’s outcomes, scalability, and alignment with best practices in promoting mental health, using data-driven insights to demonstrate the impact of the Mentally Fit Schools Program,” said Professor Lewis.
“This program is a key part of Western Sydney University’s commitment to creating healthier, more connected communities while ensuring students have the tools to thrive both in school and beyond. We look forward to supporting Gotcha4Life in advancing the Mentally Fit Schools Program and its long-term impact.”
Gotcha4Life Belinda Elworthy, CEO said, “We’re proud to partner with Western Sydney University to strengthen the impact of our Mentally Fit Schools Program. It’s important that we measure what’s working - not just to show impact, but to help us learn, improve, and intentionally reach more communities around Australia. With the university’s research expertise, we’ll continue to build a strong evidence base for how embedding mental fitness into the daily life of a school can improve outcomes for students, teachers, and families alike.”
Gotcha4Life is a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to building a mentally fit future. It develops and delivers preventative mental fitness campaigns, workshops, programs and resources in schools, sports clubs, workplaces and communities throughout Australia. Gotcha4Life was founded in 2017 by media personality Gus Worland.
In their first year, the Mentally Fit Schools Program has supported 1,991 students, educators and caregivers across New South Wales. Designed by experienced educators and mental health specialists, it is informed by an extensive evidence base, including CASEL’s integrated social and emotional learning (SEL) framework.
ENDS
8 May 2025
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