As conversations around boys’ mental health continue to evolve, schools have an increasingly important role to play in creating environments where young men feel connected, supported and confident to seek help when they need it.
For boarding schools, this responsibility carries particular significance. Boarding is more than accommodation. It is a community where students live, learn and grow alongside one another, often far from family and familiar support networks. Within that environment, relationships become one of the most important foundations of positive wellbeing.
The friendships formed in boarding are often some of the strongest and most enduring relationships young men will experience. Former boarders frequently reflect on the bonds they built during their time at Scotch, friendships forged through shared experiences, challenges and everyday moments that often continue long after school.
These connections are important not only because they create a sense of belonging, but because they help build the confidence and trust that make meaningful conversations possible.
When young people feel connected to those around them, they are more likely to notice when a friend is struggling, reach out for support themselves and contribute to a culture where looking out for one another becomes the norm.
This philosophy sits at the heart of Scotch College’s approach to wellbeing in boarding.
Year 10 boarders in their session at the Mens Talk Wellbeing Hub
The Monty Man Van at Syme Residence providing Year 9 boarders with an opportunity to engage with the Mens Talk and Growth Hunting teams
During R U OK? Week, the College partnered with Mens Talk to deliver a series of workshops for boarding students providing a practical ‘toolbox’ of skills and resources.
Mens Talk, established in 2021, is a Western Australian health promotion charity focused on improving men’s mental health and preventing suicide. The organisation creates safe, supportive spaces where men and young men can talk openly, connect with others and seek help without judgement. Through community hubs, mobile outreach, peer mentoring, education programmes and referral pathways, Mens Talk meets men where they are, including in schools, workplaces, sporting clubs and community settings.
While awareness campaigns play an important role, the focus of these sessions was practical: helping students understand how stress and pressure can show up in everyday life and equipping them with strategies they can use to respond.
Through age-appropriate discussions and activities, students explored how stress can affect mental, emotional and physical wellbeing, while developing practical skills to manage challenges, build resilience and support their peers.
Importantly, the workshops reinforced a message that remains critical for many young men: asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Education is a powerful tool in promoting positive mental health amongst boys and men. The more students understand about recognising stress, managing pressure and supporting others, the better equipped they are to navigate the challenges they will inevitably face throughout life.
Senior School boarding students and staff participating in their regular Polar Bear Dip before school
Middle and Senior School boarders come together for a community breakfast
Boarding Morning Run Club before hot chocolates and chats
In combination with a series of education, throughout R U OK? Week and the school year, activities such as our Community Breakfasts and Polar Bear Dips provide opportunities for students and staff to come together, strengthen relationships and celebrate our connection as a boarding community.
While these activities may appear simple, they play an important role in fostering belonging. They create moments of shared experience, encourage conversations and reinforce the understanding that no one needs to navigate challenges alone.
This is why partnerships such as the one between Scotch College and Mens Talk are so valuable. They combine professional expertise with the everyday relationships that exist within a boarding community, helping students develop both the knowledge and confidence to care for themselves and others.
Ultimately, great boarding is built on relationships. When young men feel connected, valued and supported, they are better positioned to overcome challenges, develop resilience and thrive. In a world where many young people are experiencing increasing pressure and complexity, connection remains one of the most powerful wellbeing tools we can offer.
Mr Michael Ninkov Head of Senior School Residence – Blair Clan
Mr Paul Litwin CEO of Mens Talk
