The Matilda Centre has launched a ‘refreshed and rebranded’ school-based prevention program to assist teachers to plan and deliver evidence-based mental health, alcohol and other drug education. OurFutures provides curriculum-aligned courses that are relevant for young people today.

In partnership with the Paul Ramsay Foundation, researchers at the University of Sydney’s Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use have ‘refreshed and rebranded’ the effective Climate School’s program to align with the latest evidence and ensure the content is accessible and relevant to young people today. 

Previously known as Climate Schools, OurFutures has been through rigorous development and review processes over the past two decades. The effectiveness of the online courses has been established in 8 large randomised controlled trials (RCTs), including >20,000 students from 240 schools across Australia.

OurFutures is led by Ken Wallace (CEO), Professor Maree Teesson & Professor Nicola Newton. 

The current OurFutures team also includes Dr Lauren Gardner, Dr Katrina Champion, Ms Lyra Egan, Ms Scarlett Smout, Ms Sophia Spallek, and Ms Amy-Leigh Rowe.

The development and evaluation of OurFutures was made possible through a number of research grants and fellowships awarded to Prof Teesson, Prof Newton, Dr Champion, Dr Vogl and their colleagues, at the Matilda Centre, the University of Sydney, and the University of New South Wales.

Our team has received over 20 awards for our work developing, evaluating and disseminating the OurFutures courses. More information about the evaluation of the trials can be found on the evidence page, but here are some highlights from the journey to the program you’re seeing today.