11/20/2018 Expanding Mental Health Support To Victorian Students | Premier of Victoria The State election will be held on Saturday 24 November 2018. During the caretaker period (commencing 6pm, 30 October 2018) content will only be added to this website in Close line with the caretaker conventions. Toggle navigation Premier of Victoria - The Hon. Daniel Andrews MP: 2 Years of Putting People First Home The Premier The Team Our Priorities Media Centre Contact Us Enter search terms Search entire website Submit your search Home > Expanding Mental Health Support To Victorian Students Expanding Mental Health Support To Victorian Students Minister for Education 25 October 2018 Education mental health Media Release Every Victorian government secondary school will soon have access to a mental health professional, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government. Minister for Education James Merlino today announced a new Mental Health in Schools program, which will ensure students are receiving quality mental health care when they need it most. One in seven Victorians between the ages of four and 17 are estimated to have a mental health issue, with prevalence higher in secondary school. This $51.2 million program will allow schools across the state to employ over 190 qualified mental health professionals such as counsellors, youth workers or psychologists. The Labor Government will also partner with the Orygen National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health to promote student wellbeing within secondary schools. Schools will have access to expert advice online through a central web portal which will support school- based health and wellbeing teams to deliver mental health plans and support to students, and receive advice on how schools should interact with allied community and health services. Every government secondary school will receive between one and five days a week of support from a mental health professional, depending on their enrolment numbers. https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/expanding-mental-health-support-to-victorian-students/ 1/3 11/20/2018 Expanding Mental Health Support To Victorian Students | Premier of Victoria It means every government secondary school student will be able to access mental health support at school, with the programThe toState provide election at least will 385,000be held onhours Saturday of additional 24 November mental 2018.health During support the in caretakerschools over four years. period (commencing 6pm, 30 October 2018) content will only be added to this website in Close The mental health professionals will provideline with direct the caretakercounselling conventions support and. other early intervention services for students that need it, as well as coordinating support for students with severe needs. They will also lead prevention activities by giving school staff the skills they need to manage student mental health and help embed mental health promotion and prevention programs and strategies in schools. This announcement builds on the Labor Government’s $65.5 million investment in student health and wellbeing initiatives in all schools. This includes the Victorian Anti-Bullying and Mental Health Initiative, targeted mental health programs delivered by headspace and the School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support program, as well as increased investment in allied health and nursing services. Quotes Attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino “We know that when our kids are happy and healthy they can focus on their learning and have the best opportunity to succeed in education and excel in life. That is why we are providing additional funding to ensure that every child is supported to achieve their best.” “More health professionals in schools will mean the kids who need extra help will get it, and won’t be left behind.” Download the Media Release (581 KB) 19 7 Like 250 Share Content tags: Education mental health Media Release Minister for Education Subscribe to Media Releases Related content Media Release Minister for Education Ministers 30 October 2018 Giving South Morang Students More Options For School Education Media Release Treasurer 29 October 2018 Helping Kids In Melbourne’s West Get To School Education Transport https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/expanding-mental-health-support-to-victorian-students/ 2/3 11/20/2018 Expanding Mental Health Support To Victorian Students | Premier of Victoria Youth The State election will be held on Saturday 24 November 2018. During the caretaker Attorney-General period (commencing 6pm, 30 October 2018) content will only be added to this website in Close Media Release line with the caretaker conventions. 29 October 2018 Legal Grants To Support Vulnerable Victorians Family violence Justice mental health Up arrow Back to top Premier of Victoria The Hon. Daniel Andrews MP Daniel Andrews on Facebook Daniel Andrews on Twiiter Daniel Andrews on YouTube Daniel Andrews on Instagram Accessibility Disclaimer Privacy Copyright Sitemap https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/expanding-mental-health-support-to-victorian-students/ 3/3.