The Lyone Foundation partners with Y Victoria to support Guiding Growing Minds

The Lyone Foundation is proud to welcome Y Victoria as our newest Signature Charity partner, supporting the delivery of Guiding Growing Minds’ ClinED program.

Through this three-year partnership, the Foundation will contribute $100,000 each year through Y Victoria’s Open Doors program. This funding will help Guiding Growing Minds establish and deliver ClinED, an evidence-informed program that brings clinical expertise directly into Victorian schools.

Supporting the people who support our children

Across Australia, one in seven children experiences a mental health condition. Teachers are often among the first to notice when a child is struggling, yet many educators, particularly those in regional and disadvantaged communities, have limited access to specialist guidance.

ClinED aims to bridge this gap

Guiding Growing Minds is a social enterprise founded by developmental paediatrician Dr Billy Garvey. It works to translate the science of child development and mental health into practical tools for parents, educators and other professionals who support children.

Rather than offering one-off professional development, ClinED provides educators with ongoing, practical support from experienced clinicians. Teachers learn through real classroom scenarios, peer collaboration and regular case conferences, building their confidence and capability to recognise and respond to children’s emotional, behavioural and developmental needs.

Reaching more than 6,000 Victorian students

The first phase of ClinED will involve 12 Victorian schools and is expected to positively impact more than 6,000 students.

At least half of the participating schools will be selected from communities experiencing disadvantage and will receive fully funded access to the program.

The 12-month pilot will include:

• Four clinician-led sessions delivered within each school
• Monthly case conferences with developmental paediatrician Dr Billy Garvey
• Practical learning based on real student scenarios
• Support tailored to the needs of each school
• An independent evaluation coordinated with the University of Melbourne

ClinED builds on Dr Garvey’s published PhD research in Australian schools. Educators involved in the research reported greater confidence in identifying children with mental health needs, a stronger understanding of behaviour and development, and reduced stress when supporting students with complex needs.

By investing in the adults children see every day, the program has the potential to create lasting change throughout entire school communities.

How the partnership works

Each organisation brings a distinct strength to the partnership.

Guiding Growing Minds provides the ClinED program, research and clinical expertise. Y Victoria is its official charity partner and provides the charitable pathway through its Open Doors program. The Lyone Foundation’s funding will help make ClinED available to schools and communities that may otherwise be unable to participate.

Y Victoria has supported Victorian communities for more than 170 years. Today, it delivers programs and services across more than 150 locations, with a focus on improving wellbeing, strengthening communities and creating opportunities for people experiencing disadvantage.

Through Y Victoria’s Open Doors program, funds contributed by the Lyone Foundation can be directed towards eligible schools and communities, helping ensure access to ClinED is not limited by location or financial circumstances.

Building a program for lasting impact

The initial pilot will help Guiding Growing Minds refine ClinED, develop core resources and prepare the program for broader delivery.

Following the pilot, the program is intended to expand through a digital learning platform, ongoing case conferences and the training of additional clinical facilitators. The long-term goal is to reach tens of thousands of children and families across Australia over the next three to five years.

This is more than professional development for teachers. It is an opportunity to strengthen the system surrounding each child by connecting clinical knowledge, educator capability, family support and community resources.

The Lyone Foundation is delighted to begin this partnership with Y Victoria and Guiding Growing Minds. We look forward to sharing ClinED’s progress and the stories of the educators, students and communities it supports in the years ahead.