Children struggling with mental health problems will have better access to counsellors after a multimillion-dollar boost for the Kids Helpline service.
More than 70,000 counselling sessions were carried out nationally involving helpline staff in 2023, with most calls coming from teenagers aged from 15 to 18.
NSW Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson announced a $17.1 million boost for the service on Thursday, saying the helpline provided invaluable support to young people.
“Telephone helplines and online chat services are often the first point of contact for young people experiencing mental distress because they are convenient, accessible and can provide a quick response,” she said.
The funding will be used to hire another 28 full-time counsellors in NSW and support ongoing work to integrate the helpline with other services including in mental health, child protection, education and employment.
The helpline provides 24-hour support for children and young people aged five to 25 with a range of problems including mental health challenges, family problems and school and personal pressures.
The helpline provides advice and often connects children with local services.
Kids Helpline manager Tony Fitzgerald said the service was privileged to receive the funding boost and continue its crucial role in the wellbeing and mental health system.
“We know that increasing counselling resources reduces the risk of suicide and will provide ongoing stability for the dedicated professional counsellor workforce who respond to calls, web chat conversations and email from young people,” he said.
The helpline is jointly funded by federal and state governments, and with money from private health fund Bupa.
A 2023 report found more than half of national calls to the helpline were going unanswered as the helpline called for more funding.
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