Kids Helpline @ School is aiming to reach a further 55,000 young people in 2022 by continuing to use the new modes of delivery developed last year.

Through the Bupa Foundation’s support, Kids Helpline @ School was able to bring qualified Kids Helpline counsellors into more primary school classrooms and homes via video link to promote wellbeing and normalise help-seeking.

Tracy Adams, CEO of yourtown, which runs Kids Helpline, said the program helps children with practical ways to manage their mental health and wellbeing.

“Children in Australia are bearing the brunt of a global environment characterised by change, crisis, and uncertainty. It’s our responsibility to equip as many of them as possible with the tools they need to stay mentally healthy, resilient and to keep themselves safe,” Ms Adams said.

“The Kids Helpline @ School program has proved to be a fantastic way to connect with more children in addition to the delivery of Kids Helpline’s current suite of virtual counselling options – telephone, WebChat and email counselling, and to show students where to find help when they need it.

Surveys conducted following the sessions showed an encouraging level of impact for both students and teachers. The surveys indicated that, after the sessions, around 90% of students could identify ways to find help and 80% would recommend Kids Helpline to a friend if they were experiencing distress. Of the eighteen sessions on offer, the most popular across all grade levels addressed key topics such as emotional management, developing resilience and help-seeking.

Hisham El-Ansary, Bupa Asia Pacific CEO, said “investing in innovative prevention and early intervention mental health programs is vital for ensuring children can thrive and live up to their full potential. It teaches them that it’s completely OK to ask for help when you need it” Mr El-Ansary said.

We are really pleased that through the Bupa Foundation, we’re able to make a tangible contribution to improving the wellbeing of young Australians.