Equally important for wellbeing is our functioning in the world. Experiencing positive relationships, having some control over one’s life and having a sense of purpose are all essential attributes of wellbeing.
When it comes to mental health issues, Moreton Bay Boys’ Colleges’ preferred approach is always to be proactive rather than reactive. The implementation of a wellbeing framework means that students and staff have access to a shared language and strategies to promote wellbeing. In this way, we can buffer students with the skills of wellbeing before they need them.
Two key criteria were used to decide on a wellbeing framework for MBBC. Firstly, the framework needed to be evidenced-based, such that our approach to pastoral care is grounded in research. Secondly, the framework needed to align with MBBC's values and mission to ensure that it was suited to our context.
The 5 Ways to Wellbeing was one framework that met both of these criteria. This wellbeing framework was developed by the New Economics Foundation (NEF), which was commissioned by the British government to establish a set of evidence-based actions that would improve personal wellbeing. The NEF’s research found that there were five everyday actions, which when embedded into everyday life, will enhance wellbeing.
The five actions in the Five to Thrive framework follow the suggestions from NEF’s research.
