Published 23 Apr 2026
GMHBA and Geelong Cats double access to vital mental health literacy program, expanding reach to more than 4,000 students across Geelong and Colac
With youth mental health challenges on the rise*, helping children build resilience and emotional wellbeing early has never been more important. That’s why The Resilience Project’s partnership with GMHBA Health Insurance and the Geelong Football Club is expanding, with seven additional schools across Geelong and Colac set to join the program in 2026.
Now entering its third year, the program has played a part in helping to build resilience and wellbeing skills for thousands of local primary and secondary school students.
An independent study^ of more than 40,000 Australian students found sustained participation in TRP’s School Wellbeing Program was linked to a 34% reduction in anxiety symptoms and a 47% reduction in depressive symptoms by years six and seven of involvement.
The positive impact has driven the decision to grow the initiative, bringing The Resilience Project’s evidence-based wellbeing program to even more young people across the region.
GMHBA and the Cats joined forces in 2024 to launch the partnership in five schools, after recognising the opportunity for early intervention in the mental wellbeing of young people in the region. The delivery of TRP’s School Wellbeing Program is achieved through an investment from GMHBA and the support of Geelong Cats AFL and AFLW players, bringing the sessions to life with school visits and sharing real life experiences.
GMHBA Chief Marketing Officer Helen Stevens said seeing the difference the program had made in students’ confidence and resilience had been remarkable and the opportunity to expand and support more schools was an easy decision.
“By equipping kids with practical tools to manage stress and build emotional wellbeing, we’re helping set them up for a healthier future,” she said. "Our partnership with The Resilience Project and the Geelong Football Club shows the power of collaboration. Together, we’re making a real, measurable impact on the mental health and wellbeing of school kids across Geelong and now Colac. Expanding to an additional seven more schools means even more young people can benefit from this vital work."
The new schools joining the program in 2026 include:
- Bell Park North Primary School
- Lara Secondary College
- Mirripoa Primary School
- North Geelong Secondary College
- Rollins Primary School
- Colac South West Primary School
- St Brendan’s School, Coragulac
It will take the total number of students participating in the program to more than 4,000.
"One of the most important aspects of wellbeing education is continuity,” The Resilience Project CEO Ben Waterman said.
“Students who are involved in our program year on year, strengthen the skills and resilience they’ve already begun to build. This ongoing support, ensures the positive impact lasts long beyond the classroom and helps them navigate life’s challenges with confidence.”
Geelong Football Club CEO Steve Hocking said: “We’re excited to once again welcome thousands of students to GMHBA Stadium as the program continues to grow.”
“Seeing students and community members embrace these strategies to help strengthen their wellbeing and resilience skills, and develop a healthier mindset, demonstrates what is possible through these initiatives. The impact of this program extends far beyond the field and highlights how our sport can be a powerful tool for positive change throughout the wider community.”
TRP’s School Wellbeing Program equips students and teachers with simple and fun evidence-based programs to build gratitude, resilience, empathy and emotional literacy.
Through the partnership schools will have access to:
- A series of live presentations from TRP’s Martin Heppell that share practical strategies to support mental health and resilience.
- Year-long teaching and learning program tailored to each year level.
- Support in Teacher Wellbeing and a suite of digital content to help families develop wellbeing and resilience at home.
- And visits from Geelong Cats AFL and AFLW players presenting on the topics of wellbeing and resilience with participating schools.
*Half of Australian teens projected to face anxiety or depression, but prevention can turn the tide
