About the Partner
The Department oversees a diverse network of schools across the state. School principals and leaders carry complex workloads and play influential roles within their local communities.
The challenge
Principals in regional and remote communities can face heightened pressures, including balancing leadership responsibilities, community expectations, and personal wellbeing. In times of crisis, such as bushfire events, the emotional toll can be significant. The Department required a confidential, responsive support program tailored to the realities of school leadership.
Our approach
Since 2020, Cogent Thinking has delivered the Early Intervention Program, providing immediate access to psychological support and wellbeing services.
Our model ensures that support begins at the very first call:
- A clinically-led intake process, enabling timely and appropriate care matching
- Goal based program to support improvements in psychological and physical health
- Dedicated support for mental health concerns, whether work-related or personal
- A sensitive approach to community context, acknowledging the close-knit nature of regional towns
- Delivery of targeted regional programs following community-impact events, offering counselling, triage, and follow-up care
Results of the program:
- Improved access to early psychological intervention for school leaders across the state
- Reduced delays in receiving care, supporting recovery and resilience
- Consistent participant feedback highlighting confidentiality, trust and relief
- Strengthened wellbeing culture across the statewide school network
- Improvements in psychological and physical health scores post program
- High NPS rating