Student mental health boost
TEACHERS will be armed with advice to identify and prevent mental health problems in their classrooms as part of a $110 million package to fight depression and anxiety in young Australians.
The Cairns Post can reveal the Turnbull Government will today announce a major funding boost to youth mental healthcare services, including $46 million for beyondblue’s education initiative which launches in August.
Teachers in early learning, primary and secondary schools will get free online and face-toface programs to help teach their students about good mental health and recognise symptoms.
The teacher training focuses on prevention but will also guide schools to connect children to support services, as well as offering crisis support in the event of a suicide.
Health Minister Greg Hunt said mental health problems affected people of all ages, including young children.
“Keeping children and young people healthy and happy is good for them, their families and for the broader community,” Mr Hunt said.
“These positive initiatives will help schools and communities to support the wellbeing and mental health of our kids and respond rapidly to personal and community challenges.”
The package includes $16 million for Emerging Minds, which also trains people who work with children to identify, assist and refer those at risk. The Government will give $30 million to headspace to ensure nationally consistent mental health services through primary health networks, plus $13.5 million to the Orygen National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health.
Online and phone services including Kids Helpline and ReachOut will share in an extra $1.8 million over two years.
Orygen executive director Professor Patrick McGorry praised the Government, saying three-quarters of mental health illnesses struck before the age of 25. He said there was a “double benefit” in relieving the suffering of young people so mental health problems would not rob them of their most productive working years.
The former Australian of the Year said the support for Orygen would assist the development of innovative treatments. Orygen also works on clinical trials of drugs and “psychosocial interventions”.
Professor McGorry said state governments “need to get on the same page as Greg Hunt” and invest more in mental healthcare. If you need help, contact beyond blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 131 114.