Comprehensive Health Promotion in the School Community: the ‘Resilient Children and Communities’ Project

Abstract

Funded primarily by Health Promotion Queensland, a consortium led by Queensland University of Technology is trialling a health promoting school-based intervention over four years that reviews the significance of organisational structures and educational programs that foster life opportunities for young children. The project aims to promote increased wellbeing, quality of life, and resilience as core outcomes. It adopts a multi-level approach to mental health promotion that addresses strengthening individuals (emotional resilience), strengthening communities (social inclusion) and reducing structural barriers to mental wellbeing. The study population comprised 2794 students and their parents/care-givers, and 470 staff across 20 primary schools. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the relationships across the factors: health promoting school (HPS), social support for family, family functioning, school environment, student feelings of connectedness, and student resiliency. Multilevel modelling was used to analyse the effects of social capital on family and school contextual factors and children's resilience. The research reported here supports the argument that the level of partnerships formed between school and family and school and community is determined by whether a school adopts a health promoting school approach. Social capital depends on community engagement, social networks, trust and a supportive environment. These are also key features of a health promoting school.