Kids Helpline is set to expand its in-school education program with the support of Bupa Australia.
Kids Helpline, delivered by yourtown, is Australia’s only free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged 5 to 25.
In the last 26 years, counsellors have responded to more than 7.5 million contacts nationally, over the phone and online with issues including bullying, domestic violence, homelessness, neglect, mental health and suicide.
The service is delivered in primary schools around Australia by professional Kids Helpline counsellors, using video technology including Skype, facetime, and other video conferencing software.
Bupa’s said its support will enable thousands of primary school children to access the free early intervention and prevention education program, covering topics that include bullying, resilience, friendships, mental health and safety.
“At any time, one in four young people in Australia are at risk of serious mental health issues. We were looking for an organisation to partner with which not only aligned to Bupa’s purpose of helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives, but also an organisation which would make a real difference to the mental wellbeing of people in Australia,” says Bupa Australia CEO Richard Bowden.
“We’re so pleased to be working with Kids Helpline to make a difference to the emotional wellbeing of primary school children, setting them up with tools they’ll be able to use for life,” he added.
“Early intervention is the key to changing and saving lives. Bupa’s support means we can create more opportunities to support and protect primary school children through early education and encouraging help seeking. Thousands more children will benefit from the program and we will also be able to create more tools to support teachers and parents about what matters most – the wellbeing of our children," said yourtown CEO Tracy Adams.