Celebrating game-changing graduates of MCM’s Living Learning program

MCM congratulates the fabulous graduates of Hester Hornbrook Academy who will be celebrated during a special ceremony in Melbourne today.

The 2024 graduating class includes participants in MCM’s transformative mental health and education initiative, the Living Learning program.

The program’s unique approach to integrate mental health support with flexible learning is proving to be a lifeline for young people in Victoria who are outside the traditional education system.

The Living Learning program has achieved groundbreaking results, with 80 per cent of its graduating cohort from the program, facilitated through Hester Hornbrook Academy an Independent school which is part of the MCM Group, successfully transitioning into higher education or employment.

Designed for 15-to-24-year-olds experiencing mental ill-health, the program has been hailed as a possible solution to Australia’s education crisis, where mental health issues are driving high rates of school disengagement. Living Learning with the support of the Healing Oriented Program of Education at Hester Hornbrook Academy has helped re-engage students who had been out of the classroom for years, setting them on a path to academic and personal success.

In addition to its remarkable student outcomes, the program recently celebrated a $3.6 million funding boost from the Victorian Government. This investment will support more young Victorians who are enroled at Hester Hornbrook to access the program and realise their potential.

The latest data reveals that three in four (75 per cent) Living Learning students improved their literacy and numeracy skills to the level required for further education or training.

The program is already transforming the lives of 246 young people at Hester Hornbrook Academy’s campuses across Greater Melbourne, with plans to expand to Werribee in 2025 when the new Hester Hornbrook campus opens in 2025, subject to VRQA approval.

Attributable quotes
MCM Living Learning Manager Sam Barrett
“We congratulate all the students graduating this year. This year’s graduates are further examples of what is possible when young people are given access to the right opportunities and support. Our Living Learning program with the support of Hester Hornbrook shows a clear and sustainable pathway back into education for the young people we support.”

“Our Living Learning students have overcome incredible challenges to reach this milestone. Their achievements highlight the importance of creating education systems that meet the needs of every young person, no matter their circumstances,” he said.

“Living Learning works because we focus on the whole person. By combining education with tailored mental health and wellbeing support, we empower students to achieve their goals—whether that’s completing Year 12, gaining a trade qualification, or starting a career. The success of our graduates proves that this approach changes lives,” said Sam.

“We are grateful to the Victorian Government’s Partnership Addressing Disadvantage initiative and our funding and philanthropic partners for their support so that we can come together and celebrate futures full of possibility for our graduating students.”

Quote attributable to a Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman
“The Allan Labor Government is proud to see the positive wellbeing and educational outcomes for young people achieved through our $3.6 million partnership with Melbourne City Mission and Hester Hornbrook Academy.”

Melbourne City Mission would like to thank our partners Gandel Foundation, Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, Paul Ramsay Foundation, The Ross Trust, Helen Macpherson Smith Trust and the Victorian Government. This project would not be possible without their investment and commitment.

For more information or media enquiries contact Head of Communications and Marketing, Rebecca Faltyn, media@mcm.org.au, 0407 138 778.