In what is a first for NSW, every public high school will have two dedicated experts to ensure students have access to vital mental health and well-being support.
Up to 100 additional full-time school counsellors or psychologists, plus 350 student support officers, will be employed. They will have the ability to refer students who require greater assistance to mental health services.
State Premier Gladys Berejiklian this week announced the $88 million investment that will go towards providing high-quality mental health care, greater support for bullying and anxiety and stress.
“This will make it easy for young people to access help when they’re going through a tough time and also give teachers the support to deal with challenges faced by students,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Education Minister Rob Stokes says the program will help normalise 'speaking up and seeking help' when it comes to mental health, and train teachers to be able to have these conversations with students and their families.
“It is critical that parents, teachers and students know there is always someone they can turn to for support,” Mr Stokes said.
“We’ll also partner with mental health organisations to bring their expertise and experience to school communities.”
Mental Health Minister Tanya Davies says about 14 per cent of children between four and 17 years of age experience a mental illness – and this figure is expected to rise.
“If issues are not addressed quickly and at a young age they can develop into lifelong problems,” Mrs Davies said.
“Getting help early can prevent young people from falling into crisis and also avoid longer term interventions as an adult. Schools play a critical role in getting this support to young people sooner.”
The NSW government has increased funding for student well-being by more than $200 million, with an additional 236 school counselling positions funded across the past three years, bringing the total full-time counselling positions to 1081.
