Students across NSW are being provided with critical school-based health and wellbeing support, as part of a $46.8 million NSW Government investment.
Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies said School Wellbeing Nurses play a critical role in identifying the health and social needs of students and their families, and then supporting and connecting them with the services they need.
“Having readily available health and wellbeing support is critical for children and young people,” Mrs Davies said.
“We know our wellbeing nurses are making a big difference to the lives of students, especially in Horsley Park, where the local Public School is designated as an outreach school that receives wellbeing nurse outreach services.”
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said 87 highly trained wellbeing nurses are now providing care and support to students in around 300 rural, regional and metropolitan schools across the state.
“In 2021-22, more than 3,400 primary and secondary school students were seen by a wellbeing nurse, with the majority of students living in rural and regional NSW,” Mrs Taylor said.
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said School Wellbeing Nurses are an invaluable addition to a school’s broader learning and support team, contributing to the provision of an integrated, holistic approach to supporting student wellbeing.
“Wellbeing Nurses are trusted figures within the school community, who provide a safe and confidential place for children, young people and their families to seek advice about health and wellbeing supports,” Ms Mitchell said.
The NSW Government has committed $46.8 million over four years to June 2024 to fund 100 wellbeing nurses, who are employed by NSW Health and co-located in select metropolitan, regional and rural public schools.
An interactive map showing the NSW public schools where wellbeing nurses are located is available on the NSW Health website.